Abstract: The present invention relates a video monitor display positioning system of the type in widespread use in passenger-aircraft entertainment systems and includes a housing in which a video screen is rotatably positioned for rotation between a retracted position and an extended position, but with rotary motion provided through a hydraulic system that includes a mechanical linkage from the screen to a linear motion to rotational motion actuator subassembly which is in turn actuated by a hydraulic system that includes a cylinder, two mutually opposed, hollowed pistons, an internal spring positioned within the cavity formed by the hollow pistons, a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic oil reservoir, an electric motor that controls a hydraulic pump, a solenoid valve and an over pressure switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video monitor display positioning system of the type in widespread use in passenger-aircraft entertainment systems and includes a housing in which a video screen (12) is rotatably positioned for rotation between a retracted position and an extended position, but with rotary motion provided through a hydraulic system (15) that includes a mechanical linkage (78) from the screen to a linear motion to rotational motion actuator subassembly (34) which is in turn actuated by a hydraulic system that includes a cylinder (35), two mutually opposed, hollowed pistons (36, 37), an internal spring (43) positioned within the cavity (40) formed by the hollow pistons, a hydraulic oil reservoir (27), an electric motor that controls a hydraulic pump (20), solenoid valve (22) and an over pressure switch (21).

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably retracting and storing a length of electrical cord (96,98,100,102,104) is formed of first and second pairs of cord pulleys (60,62,82,84) mounted at opposite ends of an elongated retractor frame (18). An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end (92) of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end (106) extending from the frame. The stored cord section is wound around the two pairs of cord pulleys (60,62,82,84), and one pair of pulleys (60,62) is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys (82,84) with a detachable latch (126) to lock the movable pulleys in position adjacent the fixed pulleys in a cord extended position. Springs (70,72) entrained around force direction changing spring pulleys (66,68) constantly urge the slidable pulleys (60,62) to an initial position wherein the cord is retracted.

Abstract: A video monitor or terminal (14,80) is provided in front of each passenger seat in an aircraft or other vehicle. Each terminal (14,80) includes a video display screen (22) which may be mounted in a seatback (16) or bulkhead facing the respective seat, or at the end of a pivotable swing arm (92) extending from the armrest console (84) of the seat. A transparent touch panel (24) overlies the screen (22) and has a plurality of touch sensitive areas for generating discrete electrical selection signals when touched. A computing unit including a text generator (30) displays visual prompts corresponding to passenger-selectable operations on the screen (22) underlying predetermined pressure sensitive areas of the touch panel (24). The operations may include selection of a multiplexed video channel for viewing, control of an individual video tape player (86), ordering of food, drinks and catalog merchandise and placing of telephone calls. A credit card reader (36) may be provided for payment for ordered items.

Abstract: The system includes containers for storing articles to be distributed, and a computer-controlled locking system for controlling access to the articles. The initial inventory of articles stored in the container is bar-coded, and the bar code data provide a digital data record of articles stored and locked in the container. A central computing unit (CCU) includes a housing with locked compartments for receiving and storing a plurality of hand-held portable transaction monitoring units (PTMUs) used to record transaction data from the sale of articles in the container. Each PTMU contains a microprocessor and data storage for communicating with the CCU and with memory in the cart. A security door in the CCU is selectively unlocked for obtaining a selected PTMU only in response to a coded ID input identifying the particular user of the PTMU. The PTMU is then mounted on the article container to off-load a digital data record of the inventory of articles stored in the container.

Abstract: A transaction monitoring and security system records data from the sale of articles and provides security for inventor and sales receipts. The system includes container for storing articles to be distributed, and computer-controlled locking system for controlling access to the articles. The initial inventory of articles stored in the container is bar-coded, and the bar code data provide a digital data record of articles stored and locked in the container. A central computing unit (CCU) includes a housing with locked compartments for receiving and storing a plurality of hand-held portable transaction monitoring units (PTMU's) used to record transaction data from the sale of articles in the container. Each PTMU contains a microprocessor and data storage for communicating with the CCU and with memory in the cart. The PTMU off-loads a digital data record of the inventory of articles stored in the container.

Abstract: An over-the-head style headset to be used in the airline industry and supplied to passengers in flight to provide audio reception of one or more programs. The headset is designed to be snap-assembled from economically manufactured parts, and is capable of being easily converted between acoustic and electromagnetic operation.

Abstract: A controlled access storage system provides for selectively permitting custodial access to valuable items that can be stored in a safe within the system. The system provides an item-removal mode of operation during which a record member is used to gain access to stored valuable items and is captured until an ensuing item-replacement mode of operation.

Abstract: An improved acoustic headset of the type used with sound reproduction equipment in airline entertainment systems. The headset has a yoke supporting a pin of curved sound-transmitting horns which terminate in soft tips for insertion in a passenger's ears. To provide improved alignment with the ear canals, the horns are rotatably mounted on the yoke, and are curved through more than a right angle. The headset provides improved frequency response and comfort to the user, and is designed for easy packaging and cleaning for repeated use.