Patent Description:
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to air curtain systems and methods, such as may be used within internal cabins of vehicles. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising an air curtain system and to an air curtain method for a vehicle.

Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Many commercial vehicles such as aircraft have HEPA filters in the air conditioning system that are able to entrap microbes and pathogens. The HEPA filters receive and clean air exiting the cabin or about to enter the cabin. HEPA filters and frequent cleaning of the cabin between flights are some methods to ensure the health of the passengers and crew onboard the aircraft. Further, certain passengers may prefer to wear masks within an internal cabin of a vehicle in order to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens.

<CIT> describes, according to its abstract, a vehicle system that has a vehicle cabin with an air flow system and a seat that can be moved to plurality of positions. The air flow system includes a plurality of air vents, an air flow apparatus that can selectively direct an air flow through each of the plurality of air vents, and a controller that can receive a signal indicative that a user is seated in the seat from an occupancy sensor and a signal indicative of the position of the seat from the position sensors. The controller provides output for providing a control signal to the air flow apparatus to control which of the plurality of air vents to direct the air flow through based on the occupancy signal and in dependence on the seat signal. The cabin may be defined by an upper cabin surface and a lower cabin surface with at least one of the air vents located in the upper surface and one in the lower surface.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, an infection control device which is mounted on a vehicle in which a plurality of seats are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction to suppress infection among a plurality of passengers, wherein the device comprises an intake port for sucking air from the rear. The device further has an air purifying mechanism that purifies the air taken in from the intake port to make it clean air, and an air outlet that blows out clean air forward. Air barrier forming units are provided at each of the side ends of the backrests of the plurality of seats such that the air barrier units face each other in the front-rear direction and clean air blown out from the air outlet of the air barrier forming unit at the rear is supplied to the intake port of the air barrier forming unit at the front.

<CIT> provides, according to its abstract, a personalized thermal comfort system which includes an air registration system, configured to establish discrete air curtains around individual seats in a vehicle passenger cabin, and an HVAC system. The HVAC system functions to condition air flowing in the discrete air curtains. The HVAC system includes a controller configured to allow a seat occupant to individually control the conditioning of air in the air curtain associated with the occupied seat.

<CIT> is directed, according to its abstract, at methods, systems, and apparatuses to produce a predictably shaped and minimally intrusive air barrier that may comprise an airborne disinfectant, to divert and or render harmless and to divers and negate close proximity airborne pathogens, such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc., and other airborne particulates transferred from an infected person towards the face of an unfortunate recipient at normal conversational distances apart from each other.

A need exists for a system and a method for preventing, minimizing, or otherwise reducing the spread of pathogens between passengers onboard a vehicle during a trip, such as between passengers in an internal cabin of an aircraft during a flight, without risking harm to the passengers.

With that need in mind, the present disclosure provides a vehicle as recited in claim <NUM>. Optional features of the claimed vehicle are stated in the claims dependent on claim <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain system is further configured to provide one or more air curtains between adjacent seats of one or both of the first group or the second group.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain system includes one or more outflow vents that output the one or more air curtains. The one or more outflow vents may be disposed above the seats. Optionally, the one or more outflow vents may be disposed within the seats.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain system further includes an airflow generator that generates airflow that is received by the one or more outflow vents. The airflow generator may be contained within one or more of the seats.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain system further includes one or more return vents that receive the one or more air curtains. The one or more return vents may be disposed below the seats. Optionally, the one or more return vents may be disposed within the seats.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain system further includes a control unit that is configured to control positions of the one or more outflow vents in response to positions of the seats.

The present disclosure also provides an air curtain method for a vehicle as recited above (claim <NUM>). Optional features of the claimed method are stated in the claims dependent on claim <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain method further comprises disposing one or more outflow vents above the seats.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain method further comprises disposing one or more outflow vents within the seats.

Said providing may further comprise generating, by an airflow generator, airflow that is received by the one or more outflow vents.

The air curtain method may further comprise containing the airflow generator within one or more of the seats.

The air curtain method may further comprise receiving, by one or more return vents of the air curtain system, the one or more air curtains.

The air curtain method may further comprise disposing the one or more return vents below the seats.

The air curtain method may further comprise disposing the one or more return vents within the seats.

The air curtain method may further comprise controlling, by a control unit, positions of the one or more outflow vents in response to positions of the seats.

The air curtain method may further comprise emitting, by one or more light emitting devices, light along at least a portion of the one or more air curtains to indicate presence of the one or more air curtains.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. Further, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition can include additional elements not having that condition.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air curtain system and method within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The air curtain system is configured to generate an air curtain between seats and/or rows within the internal cabin to provide a more controlled airspace.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic block diagram of an air curtain system <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air curtain system <NUM> includes an airflow generator <NUM> that is configured to generate airflow that is directed through one or more outflow vents <NUM>. The outflow vents <NUM> include one or more nozzles, or other such outlets that are configured to direct the airflow from the airflow generator <NUM> as an air curtain <NUM> between rows <NUM> of seats <NUM> and optionally between seats <NUM>.

The air curtain <NUM> that is output through the outflow vents <NUM> passes between the rows <NUM> and optionally between the seats <NUM> J and is received by one or more return vents <NUM> (including one or more nozzles, or other such intakes), which channel the resulting airflow back to the airflow generator <NUM> via one or more conduits <NUM>, such as ducts.

The nozzles may be sized and shaped to cover a single seat <NUM> or a row <NUM> of seats <NUM>. For example, an outflow vent <NUM> in the form of an elongated nozzle that extends over a group of seats <NUM> may be used. As another example, an outflow vent <NUM> having a nozzle that extends over only one seat <NUM> may be used.

The airflow generator <NUM> may include one or more of a blower, fan, vacuum generator, and/or the like. The airflow generator <NUM> is secured within the internal cabin <NUM>. For example, the airflow generator <NUM> may be disposed above a ceiling <NUM>, behind a wall, within a compartment, and/or the like. As another example, the airflow generator <NUM> may be disposed on or within one or more of the seats <NUM>, such as above and/or behind a headrest, within a support base, and/or the like. As another example, the airflow generator <NUM> may be or include an air intake within one or more passenger service units (PSUs) above the seats <NUM>. The main air supply system of the vehicle <NUM> may include the airflow generator <NUM>. As another example, the airflow generator <NUM> may be independent of a main air supply system of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, an airflow generator <NUM> may be integrated into one or more of the seats <NUM>. As a further example, each seat <NUM> may include an airflow generator <NUM>.

The airflow generator <NUM> may draw air from within the internal cabin <NUM>. For example, the airflow generator <NUM> may draw air from an area by or surrounding a seated passenger. The airflow generator <NUM> may include one or more air filters that filter the airflow before the passing out of the outflow vents <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the airflow generator <NUM> may draw in air from both one or more of the PSUs and from the seated passenger area to increase air flow. In at least one embodiment, the airflow generator <NUM> includes a fan that draws air from one or more of the PSUs and/or the seated passenger area. As a further example, air intakes proximate to and/or from the seated passenger area may be located to increase the space of the protected area and/or locate the air curtain <NUM> as desired.

The outflow vents <NUM> may be secured in the ceiling <NUM> above the seats <NUM>. As another example, the outflow vents <NUM> may be disposed on one or more of the seats <NUM>. For example, one or more of the outflow vents <NUM> may be disposed on or proximate to portions of a head rest, such as lateral portions of the head rest. As another example, the outflow vents <NUM> may be within one or more PSUs.

The outflow vents <NUM> are sized and shaped to provide a desired size and/or shape of the air curtain <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the outflow vents <NUM> may include a gasper having one or more slits that are configured to shape the air curtain <NUM>.

The return vents <NUM> may be sized and shaped the same or similar as the outflow vents <NUM> and are configured to receive and catch the air curtain <NUM> output by the outflow vents <NUM>. The return vents <NUM> may be disposed below the seats <NUM>, such as on and/or within a floor <NUM> that supports the seats <NUM>. As another example, the returns vents <NUM> may be on lower portions of the seats <NUM>, such as underneath a seat pan. The conduit(s) <NUM> may be routed underneath the floor <NUM>, behind walls, and to the airflow generator <NUM>. The return vents <NUM> facilitate returning the airflow of the air curtain <NUM> back to the airflow generator <NUM>. Alternatively, the air curtain system <NUM> may not include the return vents <NUM>.

The outflow vents <NUM> (such as air outlets) and the returns vents <NUM> (such as air intakes) may be located relative to the seats <NUM> to adjust in response to the seats being upright or reclined. For example, the outflow vents <NUM> and return vents <NUM> may be coupled to one or more actuators <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, (such as motors) that adjust the positions (such as angled positions) of the outflow vents <NUM> and the return vents <NUM> in response to reclined positions of the seats <NUM>. For example, the actuators <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to adjust angular positions of the outflow vents <NUM> and/or the return vents <NUM> themselves, or portions thereof, such as louvers, slats, or the like. The positions of outflow vents <NUM> and the return vents <NUM> may be manually adjusted or automatically adjusted, such as through a control unit <NUM>, such as within the internal cabin <NUM>.

For example, in at least one embodiment, the control unit <NUM> is in communication with the actuators <NUM> and <NUM> and/or position sensors of the seats <NUM> via one or more wired or wireless connections. The control unit <NUM> detects positions of the seats <NUM> via the position sensors and adjusts the positions of the outflow vents <NUM> and the returns vents <NUM>, via the actuators <NUM> and <NUM>, in response to the detected positions of the seats <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be further in communication with the airflow generator <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The control unit <NUM> may control the airflow generator <NUM> and the positions of the outflow vents <NUM> and the return vents <NUM> based on the positions of the seats <NUM> to ensure that the air curtain <NUM> is disposed between the seats <NUM> and/or the rows <NUM>.

In at least one other embodiment, the outflow vents <NUM> and/or the return vents <NUM> are not moveable, but instead may be fixed in position. In order to provide effective air curtains <NUM> over a widest range, the outflow vents <NUM> may be positioned above and behind a position of a seat <NUM> in a further reclined position, while the return vents <NUM> are at a forward position in relation to the outflow vents <NUM>. In this manner, the resulting air curtain <NUM> may be directed at an angle from the outflow vents <NUM> to the return vents <NUM>.

The air curtain <NUM> generated between the rows <NUM> of seats and optionally between the seats <NUM> prevents transmission of pathogens between passengers within the internal cabin. The air curtain <NUM> provides a barrier of air that prevents or otherwise reduces air passage between the rows <NUM> of seats and optionally between the seats <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain <NUM> is generated between the rows <NUM> so that forward and aft air flow therebetween is reduced.

In at least one embodiment, an air curtain <NUM> is generated between adjacent rows <NUM>, as well as between seats <NUM> within the rows <NUM>. For example, a first air curtain <NUM> between the rows <NUM> is perpendicular to a second air curtain <NUM> between adjacent seats <NUM>. In this manner, an individualized air curtain barrier or bubble may be disposed around each passenger within a seat <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain <NUM> is directed from above the seats <NUM> to below the seats <NUM>. For example, the air curtain <NUM> moves from above the seats to below the seats <NUM>. Alternatively, the air curtain <NUM> may travel from below the seats <NUM> to above the seats <NUM>. As an example, the outflow vents <NUM> can be arranged along the back and/or top of each seat <NUM> (or row <NUM> of seats <NUM>) and direct the air curtain <NUM> upwardly to the return vents <NUM>, which may be in the ceiling <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain(s) <NUM> may be continuously generated. As another example, the air curtain(s) <NUM> may be selectively activated and deactivated manually via a user interface in communication with the control unit <NUM>, and/or automatically via the control unit <NUM>.

The air curtain system <NUM> includes a visual indication of the presence of the air curtain <NUM>. For example, one or more light emitting devices <NUM> (such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent colored or filtered bulbs, and/or the like) may be embedded in or proximate to (such as within one to two inches of) the outflow vents <NUM> and/or the return vents <NUM> so that a visual light path curtain runs concurrently with the air curtain <NUM> to show passengers the presence of the air curtain <NUM>. The light emitting devices <NUM> are configured to emit directional light along the air curtain <NUM> to indicate to passengers that they are being protected by the air curtains. In at least one embodiment, the light emitting devices <NUM> may emit colored light in one or more columns or sheets along the air curtain <NUM> to provide a readily discernable indication that the air curtain <NUM> is present. The light emitting devices <NUM> are only activated when the air curtain <NUM> is provided. For example, the control unit <NUM> may activate the light emitting devices <NUM> only when the air curtain <NUM> is provided. The light emitting devices <NUM> may continually emit the light when the air curtain <NUM> is provided, or at intervals (such as every five to ten minutes). The light emitting devices <NUM> may include projectors or masking structures that assist in focusing the light along the air curtain <NUM>.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide the vehicle <NUM> having the internal cabin <NUM>. Seats <NUM> are arranged in rows <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>. The outflow vent(s) <NUM> output one or more air curtains <NUM> between one or both of adjacent seats <NUM> and/or adjacent rows <NUM> of seats <NUM>. One or more air curtains <NUM> may be also be generated between seats <NUM> separated by an aisle within the internal cabin <NUM>.

As noted, air curtains <NUM> are provided between adjacent rows <NUM> and optionally between adjacent seats <NUM> to provide barriers of air between the rows <NUM> and optionally between the seats <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, air curtains <NUM> may be used to provide groups of seats <NUM> that are separated by barriers defined by multiple air curtains <NUM>. For example, certain sections of the internal cabin <NUM> may be separated from one another by air curtains <NUM>. In particular, multiple rows <NUM> of seats <NUM> may be bounded by air curtains <NUM>, without additional air curtains <NUM> within the bounded area.

An air system within the vehicle <NUM> may be operated to recirculate air within the various areas separated by air curtains <NUM> at predetermined times. For example, a first group of seats <NUM> (whether in one or more rows <NUM>) may be bounded by air curtains <NUM>. Air may be recirculated within such bounded areas at predetermined times, such as every two to five minutes.

The vehicle <NUM> includes the internal cabin <NUM>. A first group of seats <NUM> are within a first row <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>. A second group of seats <NUM> are within a second row <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>. The first row is adjacent the second row (that is, the first row immediately neighbors the second row). The air curtain system <NUM> is within the internal cabin <NUM>, and is configured to provide one or more air curtains <NUM> between (a) the first row and the second row (that is, between adjacent rows) and optionally between (b) adjacent seats of one or both of the first group or the second group (that is, between adjacent seats).

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air curtain method for the vehicle <NUM> having the internal cabin <NUM>, a first group of seats <NUM> within a first row <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>, and a second group of seats <NUM> within a second row <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>. The first row is adjacent the second row. The air curtain method includes providing, by the air curtain system <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>, one or more air curtains <NUM> between (a) the first row and the second row and optionally between (b) adjacent seats <NUM> of one or both of the first group or the second group.

In at least one embodiment, said providing includes outputting, by the one or more outflow vents <NUM>, the one or more air curtains <NUM>. The method may further include disposing the one or more outflow vents <NUM> above the seats <NUM>. Optionally, the method may include disposing the one or more outflow vents <NUM> within the seats <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, said providing further includes generating, by the airflow generator <NUM>, airflow that is received by the one or more outflow vents <NUM>. The method may also include containing the airflow generator <NUM> within one or more of the seats <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the method also includes receiving, by the one or more return vents <NUM> of the air curtain system <NUM>, the one or more air curtains <NUM>. The method may further include disposing the one or more return vents <NUM> below the seats <NUM>. Optionally, the method may further include disposing the one or more return vents <NUM> within the seats <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the method may also include controlling, by the control unit <NUM>, positions of the one or more outflow vents <NUM> in response to positions of the seats <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the method may also include emitting, by the one or more light emitting devices <NUM>, light along at least a portion of the one or more air curtains <NUM> to indicate presence of the one or more air curtains <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "control unit," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation of the airflow generator <NUM> and/or the actuators <NUM> and <NUM>, as described herein.

The control unit <NUM> is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the control unit <NUM> may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the control unit <NUM> as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

The diagrams of embodiments herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as the control unit <NUM>. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of air curtains 110a between adjacent seats <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>, not according to the claims. The seats <NUM> are in a group within the row <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in at least one embodiment, one or more of the outflow vents <NUM> are configured to output an air curtain 110a between adjacent seats <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an air curtain 110b between adjacent rows 114a and 114b within the internal cabin <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seats <NUM> within the first row 114a are in a first group, and the seats <NUM> within the second rows 114b are in a second group. The first row 114a is adjacent the second row 114b. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in at least one embodiment, one or more of the outflow vents <NUM> are configured to output the air curtain 110b between the adjacent rows 114a and 114b.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of first air curtains 110a between adjacent seats <NUM> within rows 114a and 114b and a second air curtain 110b between adjacent rows 114a and 114b within the internal cabin <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first air curtains 110a may be perpendicular to the second air curtain 110b. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in at least one embodiment, one or more of the outflow vents <NUM> are configured to output the air curtains 110a between adjacent seats <NUM>, and the air curtain 110b between the adjacent rows 114a and 114b.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft <NUM> is an example of the vehicle <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The aircraft <NUM> includes a propulsion system <NUM> that includes engines <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more engines <NUM> than shown. The engines <NUM> are carried by wings <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In other embodiments, the engines <NUM> may be carried by a fuselage <NUM> and/or an empennage <NUM>. The empennage <NUM> may also support horizontal stabilizers <NUM> and a vertical stabilizer <NUM>.

The fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> defines an internal cabin <NUM> (such as the internal cabin <NUM> shown in <FIG>), which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft, spacecraft, and the like. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with respect to fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> may be within the fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft, such as the fuselage <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the internal cabin <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes multiple sections, including a front section <NUM>, a first class section <NUM>, a business class section <NUM>, a front galley station <NUM>, an expanded economy or coach section <NUM>, a standard economy of coach section <NUM>, and an aft section <NUM>, which may include multiple lavatories and galley stations. It is to be understood that the internal cabin <NUM> may include more or less sections than shown. For example, the internal cabin <NUM> may not include a first class section, and may include more or less galley stations than shown. Each of the sections may be separated by a cabin transition area <NUM>, which may include class divider assemblies between aisles <NUM>.

The aisles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend to egress paths or door passageways <NUM>. Exit doors <NUM> are located at ends of the egress paths <NUM>. The egress paths <NUM> may be perpendicular to the aisles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> may include more egress paths <NUM> at different locations than shown. The air curtain system <NUM> shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be used within the internal cabin <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of the internal cabin <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The internal cabin <NUM> may be within a fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the internal cabin <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes multiple sections, including a main cabin <NUM> having passenger seats <NUM>, and an aft section <NUM> behind the main cabin <NUM>. It is to be understood that the internal cabin <NUM> may include more or less sections than shown.

The aisle <NUM> extends to an egress path or door passageway <NUM>. Exit doors <NUM> are located at ends of the egress path <NUM>. The egress path <NUM> may be perpendicular to the aisle <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> may include more egress paths than shown. The air curtain system <NUM> shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be used within the internal cabin <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective interior view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of the internal cabin <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes outboard walls <NUM> connected to a ceiling <NUM>. Windows <NUM> may be formed within the outboard walls <NUM>. A floor <NUM> supports rows of seats <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a row <NUM> may include two seats <NUM> on either side of an aisle <NUM>. However, the row <NUM> may include more or less seats <NUM> than shown. Additionally, the internal cabin <NUM> may include more aisles than shown.

PSUs <NUM> are secured between an outboard wall <NUM> and the ceiling <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM>.

Overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured to the ceiling <NUM> and/or the outboard wall <NUM> above and inboard from the PSU <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured over the seats <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> extend between the front and rear end of the internal cabin <NUM>. Each stowage bin assembly <NUM> may include a pivot bin or bucket <NUM> pivotally secured to a strongback. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> may be positioned above and inboard from lower surfaces of the PSUs <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are configured to be pivoted open in order to receive passenger carry-on baggage and personal items, for example.

Also disclosed herein is a vehicle <NUM> comprising: an internal cabin <NUM>; a first group of seats <NUM> within a first row within the internal cabin <NUM>; a second group of seats <NUM> within a second row within the internal cabin <NUM>, wherein the first row is adjacent the second row; and an air curtain system <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>, wherein the air curtain system <NUM> is configured to provide one or more air curtains <NUM> between (a) the first row and the second row and optionally also between (b) adjacent seats <NUM> of one or both of the first group or the second group, wherein the air curtain system <NUM> comprises: one or more outflow vents <NUM> that output the one or more air curtains <NUM>; an airflow generator <NUM> that generates airflow that is received by the one or more outflow vents <NUM>; one or more return vents <NUM> that receive the one or more air curtains <NUM>; a control unit <NUM> that is configured to control positions of one or both of the one or more outflow vents <NUM> or the one or more return vents <NUM> in response to positions of the seats <NUM>; and one or more light emitting devices <NUM> that are configured to emit light along at least a portion of the one or more air curtains <NUM> to indicate presence of the one or more air curtains <NUM>.

As described herein, the air curtain systems and methods are configured to provide air curtains between adjacent rows or seats and/or adjacent seats within the rows, thereby reducing the spread of pathogens between passengers onboard a vehicle during a trip.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings.

As used herein, value modifiers such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" inserted before a numerical value indicate that the value can represent other values within a designated threshold range above and/or below the specified value, such as values within <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the specified value.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims.

In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
an internal cabin (<NUM>);
a first group of seats (<NUM>) within a first row within the internal cabin (<NUM>);
a second group of seats (<NUM>) within a second row within the internal cabin (<NUM>), wherein the first row is adjacent the second row; and
an air curtain system (<NUM>) within the internal cabin (<NUM>), wherein the air curtain system (<NUM>) comprises one or more light emitting devices (<NUM>) that are configured to emit light along at least a portion of one or more air curtains (<NUM>) to indicate presence of the one or more air curtains (<NUM>) by only being activated when the one or more air curtains are provided,
wherein the air curtain system (<NUM>) is configured to provide the one or more air curtains (<NUM>) between the first row and the second row.