Patent ID: 8665119

Claim:
An overhead stowage bin module electronic latching system for an aircraft, comprising: an overhead stowage bin module including a stationary support structure and a movable stowage bin portion cooperatively connected to the stationary support structure for movement in relation to said stationary support structure, said movable stowage bin portion being movable between an open position and a closed position, and said movable stowage bin portion forming an enclosure with said stationary support structure for stowage of items in said closed position; a stowage bin latch mechanism connected to said overhead stowage bin module and configured to latch said movable stowage bin portion in the closed position and to unlatch said movable stowage bin portion to be released to said open position; and a stowage bin activation switch connected to said stowage bin latch mechanism and configured operate the stowage bin latch mechanism, wherein the aircraft includes an aircraft electrical system, electrical wiring connected to the aircraft electrical system and said stowage bin activation switch, said electrical wiring being configured to receive electrical power from an aircraft electrical system, and wherein said stowage bin activation switch is configured to receive the electrical power from the aircraft electrical system via the electrical wiring for operation of the stowage bin latch mechanism, wherein said electrical wiring is configured to transmit a fasten seat belt status signal to said stowage bin activation switch, and wherein said electrical power and said fasten seat belt status signal are conducted through said electrical wiring through a closed position contact point and an open position contact point to the stowage bin activation switch, wherein the closed position contact point corresponds to a first electrical wiring circuit for transmitting power, and wherein the open position contact point corresponds to a second electrical wiring circuit for transmitting power, separate from the first electrical wiring circuit.