Abstract: A flat panel speaker system is provided. The system includes, a modified panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the modified panel acts as a diaphragm for the flat panel speaker system; a supporting member coupled to the rear surface of the modified panel; and a detachable driver operationally coupled to the supporting member.

Abstract: A flat panel speaker system is provided. The system includes, a modified panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the modified panel acts as a diaphragm for the flat panel speaker system; a supporting member coupled to the rear surface of the modified panel; and a detachable driver operationally coupled to the supporting member.

Abstract: A system for an interior annunciator onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes at least one speaker onboard the mobile platform. The system also includes a flight management control module that generates flight management data that indicates at least one status of an operation of the mobile platform. The system further includes an auditory control module that generates nonverbal auditory data based on the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform. The nonverbal auditory data is broadcast by the at least one speaker to communicate the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform to at least one passenger onboard the mobile platform.

Abstract: A system is described for determining if two seat buckles are attached. The system includes seat belt portions and corresponding seat buckle members. The system also includes a sensing element located within a first seat buckle member and configured to output signals corresponding to one or both of attachment and non-attachment between the seat buckle members. A transmitter located within the first seat buckle member is configured to receive the signals from the sensing element. The transmitter transmits unique identification information, corresponding with a location of the seat belt, and data corresponding to the signals received from the sensing element. A display unit is configured to receive the unique identification information and data from the transmitter and provide a display indicative of an attachment status between the seat buckle members.

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: 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 system for an interior annunciator onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes at least one speaker onboard the mobile platform. The system also includes a flight management control module that generates flight management data that indicates at least one status of an operation of the mobile platform. The system further includes an auditory control module that generates nonverbal auditory data based on the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform. The nonverbal auditory data is broadcast by the at least one speaker to communicate the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform to at least one passenger onboard the mobile platform.

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: The invention discloses differing embodiments of pillow speaker systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed of directing sound energy emitted from a speaker substantially into a cavity of a gas pillow. In other embodiments, pillow speaker systems are disclosed which direct sound energy emitted from the speakers substantially into the gas pillow cavity.

Abstract: A flanged cylinder assembly includes a cylindrical housing having an axis and defining a bore along the axis. A spirally threaded groove is defined within the bore. The groove is spirally situated about the bore. The groove is arranged to engage a threaded land on a shaft of a fastener to secure the fastener in the bore. A flange is fixedly attached to the cylindrical housing perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sleeve for receiving a pip pin. The sleeve is configured to be embedded in a bulkhead and includes a cylindrical housing. The housing has an axis and defines a bore along that axis. There are a plurality of spaced-apart annular lands defined within the bore. Each land is arranged to engage a plurality of locking balls on a shaft of a pip pin to secure the pip pin in the bore.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly 10 is provided including a plurality of aircraft seat elements 12. The aircraft seat assembly 10 includes a first aircraft seat element 18, having a first seat portion 16 and a first back portion 18. The first back portion 18 includes a lower back portion 22 and an upper back portion 24. The lower back portion 22 is rotatable between a raised position 26, wherein the lower back portion 22 is tangential with the upper back portion 24 to form a contiguous back rest 29, and a lowered position 28, wherein the lower back portion 22 is tangential with the first seat portion 16 to form an extended horizontal sleeping platform 32.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly 10 is provided including a plurality of aircraft seat elements 12. The aircraft seat assembly 10 includes a first aircraft seat element 18, having a first seat portion 16 and a first back portion 18. The first back portion 18 includes a lower back portion 22 and an upper back portion 24. The lower back portion 22 is rotatable between a raised position 26, wherein the lower back portion 22 is tangential with the upper back portion 24 to form a contiguous back rest 29, and a lowered position 28, wherein the lower back portion 22 is tangential with the first seat portion 16 to form an extended horizontal sleeping platform 32.

Abstract: An access module for an aircraft for enabling access to an overhead area of said aircraft, as well as providing a changing room for a crewmember. The access module has dimensions comparable to a standard lavatory module and includes a ladder that may be moved from a stowed position, in which it takes up substantially no interior area of the module, to an extended position, which allows a crewmember to easily gain access to the overhead area.

Abstract: An access module for an aircraft for enabling access to an overhead area of said aircraft, as well as providing a changing room for a crewmember. The access module has dimensions comparable to a standard lavatory module and includes a ladder that may be moved from a stowed position, in which it takes up substantially no interior area of the module, to an extended position, which allows a crewmember to easily gain access to the overhead area.

Abstract: A die assembly (12) has a die (14) with a nose (16) positioned to project into the hollow end (106) of an insert (102) being installed in a panel workpiece (100). A pilot pin (32) projects outwardly form the center of the nose (16) and into the insert (102) when the workpiece (100) is properly aligned. The pin (32) is mounted to slide axially relative to the die (14). The pin (32) is biased outwardly but yields under forces exceeding a predetermined magnitude. When the panel (100) is misaligned and a ram (8) urges the panel (100) against the pin (32), the pin (32) retracts to prevent damage to the panel (100). Thrust plates (64) support the die (14) and move radially inwardly when the pin (32) retracts. Feet (22) on the die (14) are received into grooves (70) on the thrust plates (64) to allow the die (14) to retract and thereby prevent the nose (16) from damaging the workpiece (100).