Abstract: A header assembly is configured to be secured between an inboard structure and an outboard structure within an internal cabin of an aircraft. The header assembly includes a main body including a first panel connected to an opposed second panel by a base panel. The main body is configured to limit light from passing therethrough. At least three separate and distinct anchoring members are configured to securely connect the main body to at least three separate and distinct reciprocal structures of the inboard and outboard structures.

Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.

Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.

Abstract: In an example, a fastener for coupling a light-emitting device to a composite panel assembly is described. The fastener includes a fastener head including an anchor portion and a retainer portion. The fastener also includes a plug extending from the anchor portion of the fastener head. The plug includes an axial retention structure configured to axially retain the plug in a bore of a composite panel assembly. The retainer portion extends as a cantilever structure from the anchor portion. The retainer portion is configured to press a light-emitting device toward a light-transmission channel of the composite panel assembly when the plug is axially inserted in the bore of the composite panel assembly.

Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.

Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.

Abstract: A header assembly is configured to be secured between an inboard structure and an outboard structure within an internal cabin of an aircraft. The header assembly may include a main body including a first panel connected to an opposed second panel by a base panel. The main body is configured to limit light from passing therethrough. At least three anchoring members are configured to securely connect the main body to at least three reciprocal structures of the inboard and outboard structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hierarchical access system for a compartment. The hierarchical access system comprises a moveable barrier, a locking mechanism, and a control unit. The moveable barrier is capable of preventing access to at least one of a first space and a second space in the compartment in the lavatory when the moveable barrier is in a closed position. The locking mechanism is capable of securing the moveable barrier in the closed position. The control unit is capable of unlocking the locking mechanism in a manner that provides different levels of access to the first space and the second space in the compartment in response to receiving an access request.

Abstract: An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.

Abstract: An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.

Abstract: An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.

Abstract: An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.

Abstract: A system for monitoring activities relating to movable and removable items within a vehicle is described. The system includes an electrical energy storage device, an energy harvesting device operable to store harvested energy in the electrical energy storage device, a sensor element configured to output signals corresponding to one or more of removal, installation, and a shift in position of a corresponding item within the vehicle, and a transmitter configured to receive the signals from the sensor element. The transmitter is also configured to transmit unique identification information and data corresponding to the signals received from the sensor element, where the unique identification information corresponds with a location of the item on the vehicle. The sensor element and the transmitter are configured to use energy from one or both of the energy harvesting device and the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: An aircraft seating system comprises a seat frame having a top side, a seat cushion having a bottom side, a plurality of conductive first sides of a hook-and-loop fastener system attached to the bottom side of the seat cushion in a first pattern, a plurality of conductive second sides of the hook-and-loop fastener system attached to the top side of the seat frame in a second pattern, and a sensor connector connected to the second pattern. The plurality of conductive first sides and the plurality of conductive second sides engage each other and create a closed circuit for the sensor connector when the bottom side of the seat cushion is placed on the top side of the seat frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing security of areas in an aircraft. The method is provided for managing aircraft security. A set of sensors associated with a set of secured areas is monitored for an indication of a compromised space within a cabin of the aircraft. In response to receiving a signal from a sensor in the set of sensors identifying a breach, an area for the breach in the cabin is identified to form an identified area. A visual indication device associated with the identified area is identified to form an identified visual indication device. A presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device is initiated.

Abstract: An interior sidewall panel assembly for a passenger aircraft includes a generally planar sidewall structural panel having a D-shaped window opening with an apex that is directed rearward and tilted slightly upward relative to the horizontal, a window assembly disposed in the window opening, an indirect lighting module disposed at a forward edge of the D-shaped window assembly and arranged to direct light forwardly such that the light washes onto a rear margin of a structural panel of a next adjacent panel assembly located immediately forward of the light module, and a kick panel disposed at a lower margin of the structural panel that incorporates cabin ventilation or decompression ducts and vents and an accent light adapted to direct light onto a cabin floor of the aircraft.

Abstract: The incorporation of a variety of illumination sources to provide the additional light sources that reflect against a ceiling panel to provide an altered ceiling height effect in an aircraft. The incorporation of floor, aisle and door illumination provides the added benefit of facilitating emergency evacuation of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hierarchical access system for a compartment. The hierarchical access system comprises a moveable barrier, a locking mechanism, and a control unit. The moveable barrier is capable of preventing access to at least one of a first space and a second space in the compartment in the lavatory when the moveable barrier is in a closed position. The locking mechanism is capable of securing the moveable barrier in the closed position. The control unit is capable of unlocking the locking mechanism in a manner that provides different levels of access to the first space and the second space in the compartment in response to receiving an access request.

Abstract: An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.

Abstract: An aircraft seating system comprises a seat frame having a top side, a seat cushion having a bottom side, a plurality of conductive first sides of a hook-and-loop fastener system attached to the bottom side of the seat cushion in a first pattern, a plurality of conductive second sides of the hook-and-loop fastener system attached to the top side of the seat frame in a second pattern, and a sensor connector connected to the second pattern. The plurality of conductive first sides and the plurality of conductive second sides engage each other and create a closed circuit for the sensor connector when the bottom side of the seat cushion is placed on the top side of the seat frame.