摘要:
Energy harvesting devices are disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the energy harvesting devices includes a fastening device, a first thermally-conductive element engaging the fastening device, a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the first thermally-conductive element and a second thermally-conductive element disposed in thermal contact with the thermoelectric device.
摘要:
Electrically dimmable windows for aircraft are powered by energy harvesting devices on-board the aircraft. The harvested energy is stored and used to control the opacity of the windows based on individual window opacity settings selected either by passengers or a cabin attendant. Each window has an associated control circuit that controls the electrical power applied to the window based on the selected opacity setting. The control circuit includes a low energy usage processor that remains in a sleep mode until a change in the opacity setting is detected. Each control circuit may include a radio transceiver that receives control signals from a transmitter operated by the cabin attendant in order to simultaneously remotely control the opacity settings of multiple windows.
摘要:
A checklist error mitigation system and method are provided to reduce the chance for error when completing a checklist. The system may receive a checklist step from an electronic or voice checklist system and highlights any switch, lever, dial or control that needs to be manipulated in completion of the checklist step. The highlighting may be accomplished by spotlighting or surface lighting.
摘要:
The electrical connector insert, apparatus and associated fabrication method provide a connector insert attached to flat wire segments. In addition, the connector insert retains the industry accepted openings into which connection portions, such as pins, of the component are positioned. The insert includes at least one housing, which includes multiple openings to receive at least one connector portion of at least one component and multiple conductive contacts, such as conductive pins and/or conductive sockets, that extend at least partially within the at least one housing, where each conductive contact is associated with an opening. The insert also includes at least one flat wire segment having conductive traces and connection elements to connect the conductive contacts of the housing to the conductive traces. If there are at least two housings, the housings may be sized and shaped to cooperate with each other when the housings are positioned adjacent one another.
摘要:
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying sensor units. Identification information is received from a marker in a wireless signal generated by the marker at a wireless device. The marker is associated with an object. The identification information is sent from the wireless device to a computer system. The computer system associates the wireless device with the object using the identification information.
摘要:
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.
摘要:
A system and method for sensor management is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors, and a sensor controller node communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, said sensor controller node configured to dynamically task data collections and communications with at least one of the plurality of sensors.
摘要:
An insulative material and a method of forming the insulative material are provided. The insulative material is configured to change shape in response to temperature and thus, for example, the insulative material may become more insulative as the temperature decreases. For example, the insulative material may include a plurality of fibers that change shape, such as by curling, in response to decreases in temperature, thereby correspondingly changing the insulative properties.
摘要:
An illustrative embodiment of a temperature-activated voltage generator includes a generator housing having a housing interior; a flexible, temperature-sensitive bimetallic element disposed in the housing interior; and a piezoelectric element carried by the generator housing. The bimetallic element is positional between a first position wherein the bimetallic element disengages the piezoelectric element and a second position wherein the bimetallic element engages the piezoelectric element. Electrical voltage output leads are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element. A voltage-generating method is also disclosed.
摘要:
An illustrative embodiment of a temperature-activated voltage generator includes a generator housing having a housing interior; a flexible, temperature-sensitive bimetallic element disposed in the housing interior; and a piezoelectric element carried by the generator housing. The bimetallic element is positional between a first position wherein the bimetallic element disengages the piezoelectric element and a second position wherein the bimetallic element engages the piezoelectric element. Electrical voltage output leads are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element. A voltage-generating method is also disclosed.