Abstract: A modular environment for a vehicle. The modular environment may include a configurable service space with a mounting system within the vehicle that has a number of modules configured to releaseably engage the mounting system. The module environment also may include a service space control system able to electronically communicate with and identify at least one of the modules. The modular environment may also include an arch framework that supports a number of fixed modules and a number of configurable modules. A further embodiment is shown of a method for using a service space control system that controls a modular environment for a vehicle having a configurable service, and including a mounting system configured to releaseably engage a number of modules in a service space. The service space control system electronically communicates with and can identify at least one of the modules and limit its use to only authorized users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an image of terrain obtained from a position above the terrain. An image of an object is detected in the image of the terrain for an object that is positioned between the terrain and the position above the terrain. The detected image of the object is replaced in the image of the terrain with replacement image data. For example, the replacement image data may be image data for the terrain below the object. The image of the terrain with the replacement image data may be displayed. The method and apparatus may be used to replace images of clouds in images of the surface of the earth below an aircraft with image data for the surface of the earth below the clouds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an image of terrain obtained from a position above the terrain. An image of an object is detected in the image of the terrain for an object that is positioned between the terrain and the position above the terrain. The detected image of the object is replaced in the image of the terrain with replacement image data. For example, the replacement image data may be image data for the terrain below the object. The image of the terrain with the replacement image data may be displayed. The method and apparatus may be used to replace images of clouds in images of the surface of the earth below an aircraft with image data for the surface of the earth below the clouds.

Abstract: A flight portal apparatus for displaying a virtual view of a surface of the earth below an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a data processing system and a display device, connected to the data processing system, wherein the display device is positioned to generate a display that is substantially horizontal relative to a floor of an aircraft in a manner that simulates a portal in the aircraft. A camera system is connected to the data processing system, wherein the camera system generates video data of the surface of the earth below the aircraft. A user input system is connected to the data processing system.

Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: A flight portal apparatus for displaying a virtual view of a surface of the earth below an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a data processing system and a display device, connected to the data processing system, wherein the display device is positioned to generate a display that is substantially horizontal relative to a floor of an aircraft in a manner that simulates a portal in the aircraft. A camera system is connected to the data processing system, wherein the camera system generates video data of the surface of the earth below the aircraft. A user input system is connected to the data processing system.

Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for increasing useable space within a mobile platform compartment, such as an aircraft lavatory, which is adjacent a predetermined area, such as a passenger doorway area, of the mobile platform. The apparatus generally includes a turntable module rotatably coupled to supporting structure within the mobile platform. The turntable module can be rotated to a first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment but outside the predetermined area. The turntable module can also be rotated to a second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the predetermined area but outside the compartment. The turntable module supports at least one item, such as a lavatory sink, which is accessible from within the compartment when the turntable module is in the second angular position.

Abstract: A galley system including a first structure, a second structure, and a crew aisle between the first structure and the second structure. The galley system additionally includes a set of doors associated with the first structure and the second structure for concealing the crew aisle from the view of boarding passengers when the doors are in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for mounting chairs relative to the floor mounting tracks or rails in railroad dining cars and aircarft and the like so as to permit sliding movement of the chairs but restrains them from being dislodged and upset in the event of accidents or sudden stops. This device includes a bracket anchored to a floor rail and spanning & clampingly engaging the lower leg portions of a chair so that the latter may slide fore and aft relative to the bracket and rail and yet be restrained against other movements.