Abstract: Various systems, processes, and techniques may be used for producing a long modular window assembly for an aircraft. In particular implementations, a long modular window assembly may, among other things, include a frame, a motor, and a shade. The frame may include an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell may have a lens opening, and the outer shell an opening but no lens. The frame may have a frame interior. A lens may be provided for engagement to the lens opening of the inner shell. A multiplicity of brackets may attach the frame to engage the assembly to a side wall, typically curved, of an aircraft interior. An electric motor may engage the frame in the frame interior along the frame. A first shade is provided with a shade rail. The shade and the shade rail are dimensioned for receipt into the interior of the frame.

Abstract: In an aircraft having an A/C exterior and an A/C interior, an assembly for illuminating an A/C window on the interior. The assembly comprises an A/C interior panel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured with walls defining a window opening. A substantially opaque inner collar is generally configured to the shape of the window opening also has an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner collar is adapted to engage the A/C interior panel adjacent the window opening. A window shade unit is provided and has an inner lens and a substantially opaque moveable shade. A light diffuser member, such as a milky colored at least partly light transparent sheet of plastic, is configured to the shape of the window opening. The light diffuser engages the opaque inner collar near the outer edge thereof and lays adjacent the inner lens of the window shade unit.

Abstract: Various systems and techniques may be used to provide light control in modular aircraft window assemblies. In particular implementations, a modular aircraft window assembly may include a frame having an opening and a substantially transparent exterior lens attached to the frame and covering the opening thereof The window assembly may also have at least a first smart window element. In particular implementations, the first smart window element may be segmented into portions that may be individually controlled. In certain implementations, the window assembly may additionally have a second smart window element. In some implementations, the first smart window element may be adapted to maintain substantial transparency while allowing variable light transmittance responsive to a first input signal, and the second smart window element may be adapted to alternate between substantial transparency and substantial translucency responsive to a second input signal.

Abstract: A modular window for use in a vehicle, such as an airborne vehicle, is provided. The modular window includes a suspended particle device (“SPD”) film, the SPD film making up one of the lenses of the modular The window typically includes an opaque shade movable between an opened and closed position, in spaced apart relation to the reveal mounted SPD lens. The opaque shade can move between an open and closed position with the opaque shade. In an open position, the light passing through the modular window unit is controlled by controlling the opacity of the SPD lens. When the opaque shade is in a closed position, the opaque shade substantially prevents any light from passing through the modular window unit regardless of the opacity of the SPD lens.

Abstract: A modular window for use in a vehicle, such as an airborne vehicle, is provided. The modular window includes a suspended particle device (“SPD”) film, the SPD film making up one of the lenses of the modular The window typically includes an opaque shade movable between an opened and closed position, in spaced apart relation to the reveal mounted SPD lens. The opaque shade can move between an open and closed position with the opaque shade. In an open position, the light passing through the modular window unit is controlled by controlling the opacity of the SPD lens. When the opaque shade is in a closed position, the opaque shade substantially prevents any light from passing through the modular window unit regardless of the opacity of the SPD lens.

Abstract: A modular window unit for an aircraft or other vehicle is disclosed. The modular window unit includes a shade assembly having a shade, a fixed shade rail, and a removable shade rail. The shade rail assembliy engages a frame. An inner and outer lens also engage the frame or elements engaged with the frame. A drive system, either electric or manual, moves the shade between an opened and closed position. The drive system includes a drive sprocket, a metal link chain, and an idler sprocket. Insulation may be provided on one or more elements of the modular window unit to help keep down noise and vibration.

Abstract: A novel electrically driven window shade using an electromagnetic clutch and an override mechanism accessible to a passenger in the aircraft interior, whose shade is driven by an electric motor coupled to a drive sprocket through the electromagnetic clutch. The clutch and electric motor are typically wired in series with one another such that when the motor is energized the clutch is engaged, allowing the window shade to move between an opened and closed position. When the electric motor is de-energized, the clutch is disengaged and the novel override device may be used to manually move the shade between a raised or lowered position.

Abstract: A modular window for use in a vehicle, such as an airborne vehicle, is provided. The modular window includes a suspended particle device (“SPD”) film, the SPD film making up one of the lenses of the modular The window typically includes an opaque shade movable between an opened and closed position, in spaced apart relation to the reveal mounted SPD lens. The opaque shade can move between an open and closed position with the opaque shade. In an open position, the light passing through the modular window unit is controlled by controlling the opacity of the SPD lens. When the opaque shade is in a closed position, the opaque shade substantially prevents any light from passing through the modular window unit regardless of the opacity of the SPD lens.