Abstract: A cabin services system for an aircraft is disclosed. The cabin services system comprises at least one wireless network, the at least one wireless network providing at least one cabin service. The cabin services system further includes a cabin attendant panel for communicating with the at least one wireless networks and configured to control the at least one cabin service.

Abstract: A cabin services system for an aircraft is disclosed. The cabin services system comprises at least one wireless network, the at least one wireless network providing at least one cabin service. The cabin services system further includes a cabin attendant panel for communicating with the at least one wireless networks and configured to control the at least one cabin service.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device is disclosed that includes a thermoelectric device adapted to produce electricity according to a Seebeck effect when a thermal gradient is imposed across first and second major surfaces thereof, a housing enclosing a phase change material that is disposed for thermal communication with the first major surface of the thermoelectric device, and a radio transmitter electrically coupled to the thermoelectric device, the radio transmitter capable of transmitting wireless signals. In another aspect, the housing includes a conductive fin therein to provide more uniform distribution of heat to the phase change material.

Abstract: A cabin services system for an aircraft is disclosed. The cabin services system comprises at least one wireless network, the at least one wireless network providing at least one cabin service. The cabin services system further includes a cabin attendant panel for communicating with the at least one wireless networks and configured to control the at least one cabin service.

Abstract: An oxygen exchange manifold converts oxygenate air into an oxygen depleted air stream for use in inerting an otherwise flammable environment. A system including the oxygen exchange manifold may be utilized to inert fuel tanks of an aircraft or another environment. Methods of inerting such environments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the photoelectric switch includes at least one light source, a reflective surface provided in light-receiving relationship with respect to the at least one light source, a release button engaging the reflective surface and positional between first and second positions, a photocell provided in light-receiving relationship with respect to the reflective surface when the release button is disposed in the first position, a latch control circuit connected to the photocell and a latch connected to the latch control circuit. The light path incorporates a collimator to restrict operation of the system to the relationship of the light source and the retroreflector.

Abstract: An oxygen exchange manifold converts oxygenate air into an oxygen depleted air stream for use in inerting an otherwise flammable environment. A system including the oxygen exchange manifold may be utilized to inert fuel tanks of an aircraft or another environment. Methods of inerting such environments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and means for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

Abstract: A mounting rail system for a cabin services system of an aircraft is disclosed. The mounting rail system comprises a mounting rail for providing power, and at least one circuit coupled to the mounting rail for allowing for operation of functionalities of a passenger services unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing images corresponding to views external to a vehicle are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes first and second signal receiving portions configured to receive a signal corresponding to an image of a view external to the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle, respectively. A signal processing portion can direct to a first display portion a first signal corresponding to the image and to a second display portion a second signal corresponding to the image, with the first and second display portions positioned at different locations of the vehicle. The second signal can be delayed by a time that corresponds at least approximately inversely to the speed of the vehicle. Accordingly, a viewer seeing both display portions can receive a visual indication that the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the photoelectric switch includes at least one light source, a reflective surface provided in light-receiving relationship with respect to the at least one light source, a release button engaging the reflective surface and positional between first and second positions, a photocell provided in light-receiving relationship with respect to the reflective surface when the release button is disposed in the first position, a latch control circuit connected to the photocell and a latch connected to the latch control circuit. The light path incorporates a collimator to restrict operation of the system to the relationship of the light source and the retroreflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication with a wireless network is provided. A video display unit is mounted on a seat back. The video display unit includes a processor, a video display electrically coupled to the processor, a component configured for wireless communication with the processor, and a receiver electrically coupled to the processor. A user interface is mounted on an armrest. The user interface includes a user input interface and a transmitter electrically coupled to the user input interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing images corresponding to views external to a vehicle are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes first and second signal receiving portions configured to receive a signal corresponding to an image of a view external to the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle, respectively. A signal processing portion can direct to a first display portion a first signal corresponding to the image and to a second display portion a second signal corresponding to the image, with the first and second display portions positioned at different locations of the vehicle. The second signal can be delayed by a time that corresponds at least approximately inversely to the speed of the vehicle. Accordingly, a viewer seeing both display portions can receive a visual indication that the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided comprising a fuselage and a central monitoring system positioned within the fuselage. A plurality of seating elements is also positioned within said fuselage. Each of the plurality of seating elements includes a plurality of seat options integrated into the seating element and an electronics control system integrated into the seating element. The electronics control system includes a seat processor having logic adapted to monitor an operational status of each of the seat options and communicate the operational status to the central monitoring system via wireless communication.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing images corresponding to views external to a vehicle are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes first and second signal receiving portions configured to receive a signal corresponding to an image of a view external to the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle, respectively. A signal processing portion can direct to a first display portion a first signal corresponding to the image and to a second display portion a second signal corresponding to the image, with the first and second display portions positioned at different locations of the vehicle. The second signal can be delayed by a time that corresponds at least approximately inversely to the speed of the vehicle. Accordingly, a viewer seeing both display portions can receive a visual indication that the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: An air bag intrusion preventative deployment system (12) for delaying and preventing unwanted intrusions within an aircraft (10) includes an activation switch (14), a generator (16), and an air bag (18). The generator (16) is coupled to the activation switch (14) and to the air bag (18). The activation switch (14) when in an activated state triggers the generator (16) to deploy the air bag (18) to delay and prevent an unwanted intrusion.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly including at least one electronic component usable by a passenger and an single integrated electronic systems which provides signal decoding, signal routing, data management, built in test, and power conversion for each user accessible electronic component which is installed in the seat assembly. The electronic components generally include at least a video display unit, an audio system, or a telephone. The integrated electronics system provides power conversion, signal routing, data management and other electronic requirements for each of the electronic components. The integrated electronics system of the present invention not only integrates power conversion and signal management responsibilities into one system, but also is integrated into the seat assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication with a wireless network is provided. A video display unit is mounted on a seat back. The video display unit includes a processor, a video display electrically coupled to the processor, a component configured for wireless communication with the processor, and a receiver electrically coupled to the processor. A user interface is mounted on an armrest. The user interface includes a user input interface and a transmitter electrically coupled to the user input interface.

Abstract: A consolidated in-flight entertainment system is provided that comprises a server in communication with a controller switch that manages and distributes in-flight entertainment data to a plurality of components on a mobile platform, e.g. passenger seats on a commercial aircraft. The server receives, transmits, and stores in-flight entertainment data and further executes functional elements such as providing audio and video data, storing data, web caching and storage, and component mapping, among others, through software. Additionally, the controller switch performs certain data functions such as satellite data interfacing, multiplexing, mapping, and multimedia routing, also through software, for the efficient transfer of in-flight entertainment data to and from the server and passenger seats.