An active composite panel assembly is configured to transfer electrical signals from a source to an electrical device. The active composite panel assembly includes a composite layer, and an active layer secured to the composite layer. The active layer is configured to receive and conduct the electrical signals.

A vehicle body includes a primary vehicle structure and interior vehicle fittings as well as a coupling device for fastening the interior vehicle fittings to the primary vehicle structure. The coupling device is configured to generate a magnetic field, so as to fasten the interior vehicle fittings to the primary vehicle structure without contact. Methods for assembling a vehicle body as well as an edifice are also described.

A service module for supplying passengers in a passenger space of a means of transport, in particular of an aircraft, and to a service system having a service channel and a plurality of such service modules. The service module comprises at least one service component arrangement having one or more service components for individually supplying one or more passengers, and a cabin lighting unit for illuminating the passenger space of the means of transport, in particular of the aircraft.

A method of protecting a monument during manufacturing of a vehicle. The method includes attaching a plurality of brackets to the monument prior to installation in the vehicle, each of the plurality of brackets having corresponding fasteners facing outwardly relative to the monument. The method also includes connecting a blanket to the corresponding fasteners. The method also includes installing the monument in the vehicle, disconnecting the blanket, and removing the plurality of brackets from the monument.

A joint device rotatably connecting a functional component to a fixing structure includes a bearing shell having a first guide body with a curved first guide face, and a second guide body with a second guide face. The bearing shell connects to either the functional component or the fixing structure. An inner body having a connection portion and a guide portion is arranged between the first and second guide faces. The connection portion connects to the other of the functional component or the fixing structure. The guide portion is movably guided on the first and second guide faces about a first rotational axis defined by the curved first guide face. The connection portion or the bearing shell connects to the fixing structure by a pin. A second rotational axis extending transversely to the first rotational axis is defined by a pin central axis and/or the first guide face curvature.

Arrangements for safety and comfort in vehicles.

In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft monument is adapted for being mounted against an aft-facing bulkhead of the aircraft. The monument may have an aisle-accessible compartment that includes comestible item dispensers and lower footwell regions to accommodate the passengers seated immediately aft of the monument. The monument may also include an aft-facing wall that is readily removal during a maintenance operation so as to facilitate servicing of a heater or chiller unit disposed inside the monument.

Preferred embodiments relate to an amenity monument installed in the middle of a cabin space that absorbs “dead-space” in a seating layout while simultaneously providing features and amenities that are desirable to passengers. In preferred embodiments, this may substantially enhance the array of seating options and configurations available to an aircraft interior designer. In certain embodiments, the amenity monument may be equipped with dimmable panels that are set to a transparent condition during taxi, take-off and landing. During flight, the dimmable panels may be set to a translucent or opaque condition that provides privacy for the passenger utilizing the amenity monument as well as passengers seated nearby. In some embodiments, the monuments may provide enhanced amenities like curved, surround-view screens and which display gaming, advertising, multimedia and/or retail content.

A passenger module that may be connected to an aircraft for transport, and may be detached and attach different module for carriage to a different destination. In alternative embodiments involving different aircrafts such as fixed wing and helicopter aircraft, a module may be adapted to have a transparent exterior so that passengers may have a broad range of unobstructed view of the outside surroundings. The module may have a range of free movements while still connected to the aircraft for such purposes as sightseeing.

An accessible lavatory unit (103) for an aircraft cabin (102) is disclosed. The lavatory unit (103) is configurable between an able-bodied configuration and a PRM-accessible configuration. In the able-bodied configuration the lavatory unit has a first internal floor space (132) and there is a cabin floor space (130) external to the lavatory unit (103). The lavatory unit (103) is expandable into the PRM-accessible configuration in which the lavatory unit (103) is expanded to have a second internal floor space (132), the second internal floor space (132) encompassing a region of the cabin floor space (130). A sink for an aircraft lavatory unit is also disclosed.