Abstract: An apparatus for creating and tuning haptic feedback is provided. The apparatus includes (A) a brace with first and second portions, (B) a vibrotactile actuator, coupled to the first portion of the brace, configured to apply haptic stimulations to a user, and (C) a linear actuator, coupled to the second portion of the brace, configured to (i) obtain a signal generated based on information about the user's body at a target location of the user and (ii) adjust a tension of the brace according to the signal. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes one or more sensors configured to generate the information about the user's body at the target location. Furthermore, a controller may be configured to: (i) generate the signal based on the information about the user's body at the target location generated by the one or more sensors and (ii) provide the signal to the linear actuator.

Abstract: The disclosed touch-simulation apparatus includes (1) a set of opposing surfaces and (2) an electric actuator assembly coupled between the set of opposing surfaces, wherein (A) the electric actuator assembly includes an actuator layer and (B) a set of mechanical amplifiers coupled between opposing sides of the actuator layer and the set of opposing surfaces. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Interior lighting and illumination systems for aircraft, particularly commercial passenger airplanes. Opposing pairs of LED lamps are positioned in the ceiling panels above the aisles between sets of seats in the passenger cabins. One set of LED lights are directed to illuminate the ceiling panels and may be in a particular color. The other set of LED lights are positioned to shine their lights on storage/stowage bins positioned across the aisles, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system. This enhances the cabin architecture and provides cabin illumination. A reflector can be positioned to direct the light and reduce possible glare to the passengers. The reflector directs the light rays from the LED lights which emanate from the top of the reflector to shine on the lowest part of the bins. The light rays leaving the reflector cross in front of the reflector.

Abstract: Interior lighting and illumination systems for aircraft, particularly commercial passenger airplanes. Opposing pairs of LED lamps are positioned in the ceiling panels above the aisles between sets of seats in the passenger cabins. One set of LED lights are directed to illuminate the ceiling panels and may be in a particular color. The other set of LED lights are positioned to shine their lights on storage/stowage bins positioned across the aisles, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system. This enhances the cabin architecture and provides cabin illumination. A reflector can be positioned to direct the light and reduce possible glare to the passengers. The reflector directs the light rays from the LED lights which emanate from the top of the reflector to shine on the lowest part of the bins. The light rays leaving the reflector cross in front of the reflector.

Abstract: An ear protection device (18) that includes a pair of ear protectors (23), each ear protector (23) having a pocket (64) associated therewith that is sized and shaped to be received over the top of the user's ear to support the device (18) on the ear; and a band (22) connected to the pair of ear protectors (23), the band (22) formed of lightweight resilient material and configured to position the ear covers in alignment with the user's ears and with the pockets (64) positioned over the tops of the respective ears. A selectively positionable door (30) is provided on the exterior of each ear protector (23) to cover and uncover an opening in each protector to facilitate the passage of sound to the user's ear through the ear cover when the door (30) is in an opened position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in sitting on a vehicle and a method for use in manufacturing a seat. The apparatus can include a base, a back secured with the base and a seat pan secured with the base. The seat pan can further include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to pivot relative to the second portion, such that the first portion of the seat pan pivots allowing a distal end to pivot so that the distal end can be moved out of a relative alignment with the second portion. The seat pan can be movably secured with the base allowing the seat pan to move generally horizontally. The back can also be pivotably secured at with the base allowing a lower portion of the back proximate the seat pan to pivot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed cleansing of passengers aboard an aircraft. A hanging room and adjacent cleansing room. The cleansing room providing a cleansing process comprising a sequence of steps limited timewise for speedily processing passengers, sanitizing of the cleansing room through disinfection and drying comprising the final step prior to entry of a next passenger into the changing room.

Abstract: An expandable, modular, multi-mode lavatory for aircraft featuring its multi-mode use as a lavatory, shower and accommodations for handicapped persons. The invention comprises a primary structure with a volume that expands into adjacently located unused space, such as an aircraft's main entry cross-aisleway. Deployable walls and doors are used to create a partitioned environment. A false bottom shower pan cover provides structural support for wheelchairs while also being removable to reveal a modular shower pan for bathing.

Abstract: An expandable, modular, multi-mode lavatory for aircraft featuring its multi-mode use as a lavatory, shower and accommodations for handicapped persons. The invention comprises a primary structure with a volume that expands into adjacently located unused space, such as an aircraft's main entry cross-aisleway. Deployable walls and doors are used to create a partitioned environment. A false bottom shower pan cover provides structural support for wheelchairs while also being removable to reveal a modular shower pan for bathing.