Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for selecting a parking location for an autonomous vehicle includes: obtaining data pertaining to a current ride of the autonomous vehicle during operation of the autonomous vehicle; determining, by a processor using the data, when the autonomous vehicle is proximate a destination; and, when the autonomous vehicle is proximate the destination: identifying, by the processor using the data, a plurality of potential parking locations proximate the destination; calculating, by the processor using the data, a respective score for each of the potential parking locations using a plurality of factors; and selecting, by the processor using the data, a selected parking location of the potential parking locations based on the respective score of each of the potential parking locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to display means for systems for guiding a trailer while backing, and in particular to graphical display means to provide information to an operator who is steering, and controlling the accelerator and breaks by suggesting the amount of steering to apply to the towing vehicle to cause the trailer to be directed to where the operator wants the trailer to go.

Abstract: A front vehicle-body structure of a vehicle comprises a front frame which extends in a longitudinal direction, an apron reinforcement which is positioned above and on an outward side, in a vehicle width direction, of the front frame and extends in the longitudinal direction, and a suspension housing which is provided to be laid between the front frame and the apron reinforcement and accommodating a suspension therein, wherein the suspension housing includes a narrow-width portion which has the narrowest width in the longitudinal direction in an upper view, and a suspension tower portion where a damper member of the suspension is attached is formed at a portion of the suspension housing which includes the narrow-width portion.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes two frame rails fixed relative to each other and each having a tubular shape defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, a crush-initiating notch on each exterior surface, and a reinforcement extending along each interior surface and positioned in a vehicle-rearward direction from the notches.

Abstract: There are provided an outer panel, an inner panel, a second reinforcement provided in the main closed-cross section and cooperates with the outer panel to form a sub closed-cross section extending longitudinally, a bead portion formed at a portion of the inner panel which is located at a position corresponding to the second reinforcement, and configured to be a starting point causing bending of a front side frame toward the second reinforcement when a collision load is applied in a vehicle collision, and a second attaching member provided at a position located on a front-end side of the front side frame relatively to the second reinforcement and configured to make the second reinforcement crushable in a bending direction in the vehicle collision. The second attaching member comprises a knot-shaped member provided inside the main closed-cross section.

Abstract: Disclosed are a partition panel for vehicles and a method of manufacturing the same. The partition panel for vehicles includes a panel part formed of a composite material to divide a trunk and the inside of a vehicle from each other and a reinforcement part formed of a composite material, inclined upwards from the center of the lower portion of the panel part to both ends of the panel part, and connected integrally to the panel part.

Abstract: A bonnet mounting apparatus of an agricultural work vehicle enables a bonnet that covers an engine compartment of an agricultural work vehicle to be opened upward. The bonnet mounting apparatus includes: a fastener on which a coupling protrusion is provided, and which is attached to the inside of one end portion of a bonnet; and a hinge on which a coupling recess, into which the coupling protrusion is inserted, is provided, and which is hingedly coupled to the upper end of a bonnet support at a vehicle body side so as to be rotatable upward and downward. According to the present invention, the bonnet is easily connected to the vehicle body by inserting the coupling protrusion of the bonnet into the coupling recess of the hinge at the vehicle body side.

Abstract: A work vehicle such as a tractor including a cooling fan (12a) arranged in front of the vehicle's engine main body (1), and is configured to feed air to the engine main body. The work vehicle further includes a DPF (19), which is arranged on one side of the engine main body and purifies exhaust gas exhausted from the engine main body, and an engine hood (7), which covers the engine main body, the cooling fan, and the DPF. An outside air intake port (21) is formed in both side surfaces of the engine hood at a position further forward than the cooling fan. On both side surfaces of the engine hood, a first opening (30) capable of exhausting air inside the engine hood in a direction away from the vehicle's operation seat in side view is formed in a position facing the DPF in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A vehicle is described herein that includes a unibody vehicle frame, a vehicle body panel, and one or more monolithic tripartite support mechanisms, which mechanisms provide structural support for at least three frame-mounted vehicle components. Each support mechanism includes a windshield support arm, a side view mirror support arm, and a body panel fixing plate. The side view mirror support arm extends from the windshield support, and the body panel fixing plate extends from the windshield support arm, the side-view mirror support arm, or both. Additionally, the windshield support arm holds a windshield to the vehicle, the side view mirror support arm holds a side view mirror to the vehicle, and the fixing plate secures the body panel to the frame.

Abstract: A roof attachment system and method for connecting a composite molded roof to a vehicle body structure, having a plurality of mounting members that each create a C-like section part that is shaped to match the inside surface of the composite Class A roof. The mounting member is bonded to the roof panel with adhesive. The roof is aligned with key features to locate the roof within an opening, where the mounting member is then also bonded to the body structure with adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed and an extruded tailgate that is rotatably secured to the bed. The extruded tailgate forms laterally extending internal, external, upper, and lower panels. The exterior surfaces of each of the internal, upper, and lower panels define T-slots that are configured to receive accessory components.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for a vehicle door or window are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a cabin located within the body of the vehicle, wherein the cabin includes an interior that is configured to accommodate at least one person. The vehicle includes at least one seat located in the interior of the cabin that is configured for seating a user. The vehicle includes at least one door that provides ingress and egress to the interior of the cabin of the vehicle, and the at least one door is located with respect to the body such that the door opens to provide ingress and egress into the cabin from a backside of the seat.

Abstract: A process of making a drag-reducing aerodynamic vehicle system includes injection molding a body configured for attachment to a roof of a vehicle with a sliding core, wherein the body comprises an air inlet extending through a surface of the body, wherein the air inlet includes an air guide boss extending from an interior surface of the body, wherein the air guide boss adjusts an air stagnation point away from the windshield to reduce air pressure and drag on the vehicle; and ejecting the drag-reducing aerodynamic vehicle system from the injection mold using the sliding core.

Abstract: A cab fairing for attaching to an associated truck cab includes a fairing panel having an attachment end; a hinge connected to the attachment end and configured to connect to the associated truck cab; and an actuator connected to the fairing panel that is configured to switch the fairing panel between a first coverage state and a second coverage state.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle body having a top wall and a door pivotably mounted to the rear of the body to open toward a side wall of the body, includes a wing sized and configured to turn airflow across the top wall of the body, the wing having a trailing edge and a proximal edge; and an assembly mounted to the door and configured for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted upward to a position above the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is open and for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted downward to a position below the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is closed.

Abstract: A drag-reducing undercarriage panel for a vehicle includes a planar main body sloping into an arcuate front section extending rearward over at least a portion of the planer main body creating a curved front edge; a pair of spaced outer members extending outward from opposite sides of a front portion of the planar main body; and multiple attachment sections for attaching the undercarriage panel to a vehicle. The undercarriage panel reduces or eliminates turbulent air beneath a moving vehicle caused by the vehicle's rotating front tires and uneven and rough undercarriage.

Abstract: A tractor includes a frame including an axle, the axle including an axle shaft and a beam member. A cab is mounted to the frame, the cab including controls for controlling the tractor. A ground-engaging mechanism coupled to the axle, the second ground-engaging mechanism including a track assembly. The track assembly includes an undercarriage assembly, a carrier housing, a ring gear, and a track, where the carrier housing includes a pivot arm for pivoting coupling to the undercarriage assembly. The ring gear defines an outer diameter, and the axle shaft and beam member are adjustably coupled to the carrier housing at a location inside the outer diameter.

Abstract: The device for placing and replacing a window of a motor vehicle, such as a windshield, includes a support beam formed by a post. The lower end is fastened on a base, while the upper end is secured to a beam rotating around the axis of the post. A set of suction cups is secured to a bar, and there are means for suspending the bar from the beam and means for adjusting the height of the bar suspended from the beam. The device can include a means for temporarily securing the bar to the post. The suction cups are mounted rotating on the bar around the axis of the bar and around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the bar.

Abstract: A seatpost assembly, including a first seatpost portion, a second seatpost portion axially displaceable relative to the first seatpost portion along an axial axis, and an engagement element with a circumferential coil portion having a first termination and a second termination. The engagement element may be elastically deflected in a relaxing direction toward an engaged orientation to provide restraint of the axial displacement at a restraining interface with one of the first and second seatpost portions; and in a deflecting direction toward a released orientation for reduced restraint. The engagement element has an axially maintained engagement with the other one of the first seatpost portion. Where one of: (i) the released orientation corresponds to a radially outwardly expanded orientation of the engagement element relative to the deflected position; and (ii) the released orientation corresponds to a radially inwardly contracted orientation of the engagement element relative to the deflected position.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground-engaging members and having a front end and a rear end. The all-terrain vehicle further includes a straddle seat coupled to the frame and an attachment rack supported by the frame. The attachment rack has a first portion which defines an outer surface of the attachment rack and is comprised of a first material and a second portion which is positioned at least partially inward of the first portion and is comprised of a second material.

Abstract: The detachable motorcycle windshield is a windshield. The detachable motorcycle windshield is configured for use with a motorcycle. The detachable motorcycle windshield removably attaches to the fairing of a motorcycle. The detachable motorcycle windshield is foldable. The detachable motorcycle windshield comprises a windshield, a bracket, and a pouch. The bracket attaches the windshield to the motorcycle. The windshield breaks down into a plurality of sections that are stored in the pouch. The bracket is stored in the pouch.

Abstract: A shielding element against electromagnetic radiation is provided for the seat region of an electric motorcycle. A seat includes a shielding element arranged thereon or accommodated therein.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wheeled kick-scooter vehicle, comprising: a platform of elongate shape, which is at its rear end provided with a wheel, and which a user may rest at least one foot upon; a steering rod capable of pivoting about a first axis, which is transversal with respect to the forward-motion direction of the vehicle, wherein the rod comprises a first distal end which is provided with a steering device, e.g. a handlebar or a knob, and comprises a second proximal end which is connected to a front wheel via the intermediary of at least one fork straddling the front wheel; wherein the platform is mounted in such a way that it pivots with respect to a second axis that is transversal to the first axis, the platform being thus movable between two extreme positions, namely an active rolling position, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the rod, and a folded-up position in parallel to the rod and close to the latter; wherein the vehicle further comprises a compression mechanism, e.g.

Abstract: An angle adjustable quick release contains: a connection post, a fixing holder, a rotatable controller, a press knob, a screw bolt, a return spring, and a screw nut. The connection post includes a hollow extension, a first locking ring, a second locking ring, a circular toothed loop, and a second C-shaped notch. The fixing holder includes a through orifice, a peripheral rib, and a third C-shaped notch. The rotatable controller includes a hollow cylinder, a second accommodation groove, a locking shoulder, a first toothed protrusion, and an operation trench. The press knob includes a driving section, a stop projection, a second toothed protrusion, and an arcuate hole. The screw bolt is housed in the first accommodation groove and is locked in the screwing aperture through the return spring and a C ring, and the C ring is locked in the first C-shaped notch.

Abstract: A foot clamping and locking mechanism with an auto-release for releasably securing a user's foot to a pedal may include a pedal comprising a pedal base having a top plate; an arm extending from the pedal; a cuff attached to the arm, the cuff sized to wrap over top of a user's foot; and a trigger extending upward from the top plate, the trigger operatively attached to the arm such that, when the user steps on the trigger, the arm causes the cuff to lock down onto the user's foot.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a buoy for the installation of underwater equipment, preferably used in equipment associated with petroleum underwater exploration, comprising an outer body, which has a top lid and a bottom lid, passage pipes, which extends internally along the entire length of the buoy, being provided also of a plurality of thrust elements arranged internally, which consist of gas microbubbles with quartz spherical body, vinyl material of closed cells and resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: A watercraft is described that has a shell with a bottom hull, a top deck, a bow, and a stern. A storage compartment is integrally formed with the top deck of the shell. A seating area is provided above the storage compartment. A first standing zone is formed on the top deck adjacent to the seating area and located toward the bow relative to the seating area. The first standing zone defines a first plane. The first standing zone is not a floor of a well. The seating area is raised relative to the first plane.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a buoy and system for monitoring divers and other underwater objects. In many embodiments, the buoy has capabilities to monitor a diver, obtain position information about the diver and use that information to move itself to an effective range for continued monitoring. The buoy can connect and communicate with a communication device attached to a diver to communicate, position, biometric and other data. In one embodiment, the buoy comprises a propulsion system for propelling the buoy, an acoustic communication module for communicating with the diver and a propulsion controller for controlling the propulsion system to move to the effective range. Other embodiments provide a power generation system using a power generating buoy comprising an inertial weight, an energy converter and a connecting linkage. The system may comprise a single or multiple buoys and can include an electrical storage such as an electrical battery.

Abstract: A folding propeller for a boat, e.g., for a sailboat or a multihull yacht, and a method for installing and/or adjusting such a folding propeller, where said folding propeller has a hub for directly or indirectly fastening at a driveshaft connected to a motor, where said folding propeller further has at least two individual blades, where each of said blades has a root arranged to pivot around a pivot pin at said hub to be either in a first, operative position, where the blades are pointing mainly in a radial direction, and in a second, inoperative position, where the blades are pointing mainly in an axial direction, where said hub has one or more cut outs for said blades roots and further has a first set of holes for installing said pivot pins and a second set of holes for installing a locking device for engagement with said pivot pins.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull having a bow and a stern. A deck is disposed on the hull and has a rear platform having a top face. The top face defines at least a portion of a generally planar surface. The generally planar surface extends forward from a rear end of the deck. The personal watercraft also has a seat supported on the deck. The seat has a front seat portion and a rear seat portion. The rear seat portion is rearward of the front seat portion. The rear seat portion is removably connected to the deck. The rear platform extends between the rear end of the deck and the front seat portion. The generally planar surface extends to at least the front seat portion, and the rear seat portion is disposed on the top face of the rear platform when connected to the deck.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for monitoring underwater impacts to marine propulsion devices. The systems can comprise a marine propulsion device that is trimmable up and down about a trim axis; a trim sensor that senses at least one of a current trim position of the marine propulsion device relative to the trim axis and a rate at which the marine propulsion device is trimmed relative to the trim axis; and a controller that is configured to compare the rate at which the marine propulsion device is trimmed relative to the trim axis to a stored threshold value to thereby determine whether an underwater impact to the marine propulsion device has occurred.

Abstract: A boat drive including combustion engine located within the hull and a drive unit located outside the hull. The drive has a propeller shaft and an exhaust system with an exhaust duct and an outlet. The exhaust duct connects the engine to the exhaust outlet for carrying away exhaust gases from the engine and cooling water introduced into the exhaust duct. The exhaust outlet is arranged in the propeller shaft. A first exhaust release opening is arranged in the exhaust duct, between the engine and the exhaust outlet, so that during operation, a first fraction of the exhaust gases and cooling water is discharged through the first exhaust release opening, while a second fraction of the exhaust gases and the cooling water is discharged through the exhaust outlet. A device is provided for adjusting the first fraction that can be discharged through the first exhaust release opening.

Abstract: A method of controlling reverse thrust by a propulsion device on a marine vessel includes determining that the propulsion device is situated to effectuate a reverse thrust and determining an initial trim position of the propulsion device. An engine RPM or an engine torque of the propulsion device is then controlled to effectuate a reverse thrust, and a trim position of the propulsion device is monitored. If a threshold increase in trim position from the initial trim position is detected at an increased engine RPM or an increased engine torque, then a reverse thrust limit is calculated based on the increased engine RPM or increased engine torque. The engine RPM of the propulsion device is then controlled so as not to exceed the reverse thrust limit while the propulsion device is effectuating the reverse thrust.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment operating apparatus includes a ballast water treatment unit for performing a certain treatment of ballast water flowing in from the outside for a ballast operation or performing a certain treatment of ballast water discharged into the outside for a de-ballast operation; a positional information receiving unit for receiving positional information; a control unit for confirming a ship's position by using positional information received from the positional information receiving unit and then determining whether to operate the ballast water treatment unit during a ballast operation or during a de-ballast operation, thereby being capable of preventing an unnecessary energy consumption.

Abstract: A method of installing a fixture, such as a bracket, in a fuselage structure of an aircraft includes the steps of: providing or generating a three-dimensional digital model of the fixture; arranging a head of an additive manufacturing apparatus in the fuselage structure; and forming the fixture in situ in the fuselage structure with the head of the additive manufacturing apparatus based upon the digital model of the fixture. The fixture is installed in the fuselage structure by bonding or fusing the fixture to the fuselage structure as the fixture is formed. A fixture, such as a bracket, which is generated in situ in a fuselage structure of an aircraft based upon a three-dimensional digital model, wherein the fixture is bonded or fused to the fuselage structure as the fixture is formed.

Abstract: An aircraft viewing platform system that enables passengers to view the exterior of the aircraft while in flight includes a canopy assembly, a platform assembly supporting at least one seat, and an elevating mechanism to facilitate raising the platform into a volume of the canopy assembly extending through a fuselage cutout beyond the fuselage periphery. The system may include an actuating mechanism such as a jack screw or a telescoping system. The platform can have integrated rollers slide configured to roll in guide rails. The system can include a control panel that regulates the elevating mechanism motion. The control panel allows the viewer to move the platform. The platform can include a rotating pedestal to allow passengers have a 360 degree view of the aircraft exterior.

Abstract: A system and method for improving fuel storage within the wing of an aircraft. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method eliminate the traditional spars and ribs, and any spanwise and cordwise connecting vertical webs, within a wing. Instead, the system comprises a plurality of modified flared spars, each having a length defined by an angled hat section, to form a wing structure. The modified flared spars may also comprise one or more lengths defined by a specialized section configured to accommodate a portion of a box section, or any other internal component of the wing. The system and method may also involve a contiguous fuel bladder of any size/type. The fuel bladder for the wing may comprise a fabric coated or impregnated with an elastomeric material that may include a polyurethane dispersion layer combined with a sealant.

Abstract: An aircraft, for example a passenger aircraft, comprises a foldable wing having an inner region and an outer region. The outer region is moveable relative to the inner region between a flight configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a ground configuration. In the flight configuration the inner and outer regions are locked together via a multiplicity of connectors for transferring loads. In the intermediate configuration the outer region is displaced, for example forwardly, such that the connection is disengaged to unlock the outer region from the inner region. In the intermediate configuration the outer region is also connected to the inner region via a hinge. In the ground configuration, the outer region is rotated about the hinge, such that the span of the wing is reduced.

Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be operated with discrete sets of propellers, which may be selected for a specific purpose or on a specific basis. The discrete sets of propellers may be operated separately or in tandem with one another, and at varying power levels. For example, a set of propellers may be selected to optimize the thrust, lift, maneuverability or efficiency of an aerial vehicle based on a position or other operational characteristic of the aerial vehicle, or an environmental condition encountered by the aerial vehicle. At least one of the propellers may be statically or dynamically imbalanced, such that the propeller emits a predetermined sound during operation. A balanced propeller may be specifically modified to cause the aerial vehicle to emit the predetermined sound by changing one or more parameters of the balanced propeller and causing the balanced propeller to be statically or dynamically imbalanced.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder includes: a cylinder tube; a piston; a piston rod; a pair of end covers; and a snubbing mechanism configured to reduce the moving speed of the piston after the piston reaches the vicinity of the end of its stroke. The snubbing mechanism includes: a supply/discharge port formed in an associated one of the end covers; a valve configured to open and close the supply/discharge port; a connector configured to connect the valve and the piston together; and at least one recess extending from the edge of the supply/discharge port. When the piston approaches the end of its stroke, the valve closes the supply/discharge port to form a throttle oil passage, and hydraulic oil is discharged through the throttle oil passage to reduce the moving speed of the piston.

Abstract: A method of engaging a drive system with a rotating wheel of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. A motor is operated to apply torque to a pinion so the pinion rotates and moved from a neutral position to a contact position in which it contacts a rotating driven gear at an initial contact time, the rotating driven gear being mounted to a rotating wheel of an aircraft landing gear. After the initial contact time the pinion is moved further to a meshing position where the pinion meshes with the driven gear. A center-to-center distance between the pinion and the driven gear reduces as the pinion moves to the contact position and to the meshing position. The driven gear contacts the pinion in a series of impacts as the pinion moves from the contact position to the meshing position, each impact induces a spike in electromotive force or angular velocity at the motor.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a float which provides buoyancy when the aircraft floats on a surface of water. The aircraft also includes a rotor where the rotor is configured to rotate in a horizontal plane and blow a wake across a side of the float. The rotor and the float are positioned relative to each other such that there is no aerodynamic separation between the wake blown by the rotor and the side of the float.

Abstract: An amphibious aircraft has a tricycle landing gear that is movable between a retracted, or up, position and an extended, or down, position. Each member of the landing gear is protected in the forward direction by a hydrodynamic protector, or vane, or shoe, such as may tend to create lift when brought into engagement with water, as during landing. The landing gear protector vanes may be mounted to move with extension and retraction of the landing gear. The landing gear wheels may protrude to extend partially downwardly proud of the sole of the shoe. The landing gear actuator and transmission may operate all gear in concert. The shoes may include sacrificial wear members for ground engagement in the event of an inadvertent gear-up landing on terrain.

Abstract: A pitch bearing for connecting first and second articles is provided. The first article includes a first curved outer surface and the second article includes a second curved outer surface opposite the first curved outer surface. The pitch bearing includes an axisymmetric structure interposed between the first and second curved outer surfaces. The axisymmetric structure includes compliant layers and stabilizing layers interleaved between the compliant layers. The compliant layers and the stabilizing layers proximate to the first article haves a curvature matching that of the first curved outer surface. The compliant layers and the stabilizing layers proximate to the second article have a curvature matching that of the second curved outer surface. A shear stiffness of each of the stabilizing layers is greater than a shear stiffness of each of the compliant layers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an aircraft includes a flying frame having an airframe with first and second wing members having a plurality of pylons extending therebetween, a distributed propulsion system including a plurality of propulsion assemblies securably attached to the airframe and a flight control system operably associated with the distributed propulsion system. The flying frame has a vertical takeoff and landing mode with the wing members disposed in generally the same horizontal plane and a forward flight mode with the wing members disposed in generally the same vertical plane. The flight control system is operable to command the propulsion assemblies responsive to at least one of remote flight control, autonomous flight control and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting test data from a unit under test (UUT) in a multi-gravity environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a desired accelerative load profile for the UUT, determining the commanded flight profile of a flight vehicle at least in part from the desired accelerative load profile and a predicted dynamic response of the flight vehicle having the UUT mounted thereto to the commanded flight profile, commanding the flight vehicle having the UUT mounted thereto to fly the determined flight profile, and collecting the test data using a data acquisition system communicatively coupled to the UUT.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin wayfinding assembly is configured to be secured within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The vehicle cabin wayfinding assembly may include a placard having a front face, and at least one directional reflector offset from the front face of the placard. The directional reflector(s) defines one or more indicia, and is configured to directionally reflect light that is emitted from a light source into an application zone.

Abstract: A sleeping box for installation in an aircraft includes a casing which is suitable for accommodating a person located in a reclining position parallel to a longitudinal axis of the casing and which has an access aperture in the area of a front side which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the casing. The sleeping box also includes a fastening apparatus which is configured to fasten the sleeping box within a passenger cabin of the aircraft in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the casing extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the passenger cabin and the access aperture of the casing borders on an aisle which is present within the passenger cabin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a grey water flush system for use with vacuum toilets. One embodiment of the system provides a two-stage flush that uses a transient tank in between the toilet bowl and the main aircraft waste tank, which reduces the noise level associated with the flush process because a lesser vacuum is demanded for the first stage of the flush. Embodiments of the system further capture grey water from a sink basin in a reservoir and use that water in the toilet flush process. There is further provided a lavatory odor removal system option that is activated during the second stage of the flush.