# US 12,214,886 B2 · Ventilation systems and methods for internal cabins of vehicles > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,214,886 B2 - Document ID: US12214886B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/363,071 - Filed: 2021-06-30 - Published: 2022-03-03 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2020-08-28 - Assignees: The Boeing Company - Applicants: The Boeing Company - Inventors: Bradley J. Mitchell; Ty Larsen; Bryce Avery Vandyke; Raymond Roeder; Trevor Milton Laib - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12214886B2 ## CPC - B64D 11/0626: {with individual temperature or ventilation control} - B64D 13/00: Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space - B64D 2013/003: {Cabin ventilation nozzles} - B64D 2013/0625: {comprising means for distribution effusion of conditioned air in the cabin} - B64D 2013/0651: {comprising filters, e.g. dust filters} - B64D 2013/0655: {with zone or personal climate controls} - B64D 2013/0688: {with means for recirculating cabin air} - B64D: EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT ## Abstract A system includes one or more distribution nozzles associated with a seat within an internal space, and a return air grill associated with the seat. Airflow is directed from the one or more distribution nozzles toward and into the return air grill. A method includes associating one or more distribution nozzles with a seat within an internal space, associating a return air grill with the seat, and directing airflow from the one or more distribution nozzles toward and into the return air grill. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system comprising: one or more distribution nozzles associated with a seat within an internal space; a return air grill associated with the seat, wherein the return air grill is attached to seat track fittings of the seat, wherein the seat track fittings secure the seat to the floor within the internal space; a side return air plenum secured to one or both of a sidewall or a floor of the internal space; and an air conduit fluidly coupling the return air grill to the side return air plenum, wherein airflow is directed from the one or more distribution nozzles toward and into the return air grill. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more distribution nozzles are above the seat, and wherein the return air grill is below at least a portion of the seat. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The system of claim 2, wherein the at least a portion of the seat comprises a cushion on which a passenger sits. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more distribution nozzles comprise at least five distribution nozzles. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising an air distribution sub-system that provides clean air to the one or more distribution nozzles. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more outflow valves fluidly coupled to the return air grill. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising an air filtration sub-system fluidly coupled to the return air grill. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more distribution nozzles are part of a passenger service unit within an internal cabin of a vehicle. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the return air grill is secured to a floor of the internal space. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the return air grill is secured to a portion of the seat. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional distribution nozzles within the internal space. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising a plenum mounted to a floor of the internal space, wherein the plenum includes a filter and a fan. ### Claim 13 A method for a system including one or more distribution nozzles associated with a seat within an internal space, a return air grill associated with the seat, wherein the return air grill is attached to seat track fittings of the seat, wherein the seat track fittings secure the seat to the floor within the internal space, a side return air plenum grill secured to one or both of a sidewall or a floor of the internal space, and an air conduit fluidly coupling the return air grill to the side return air plenum, the method comprising: associating the one or more distribution nozzles with the seat within the internal space; associating the return air grill with the seat; securing the side return air plenum to one or both of the sidewall or the floor of the internal space; fluidly coupling, by the air conduit, the return air grill to the side return air plenum; and directing airflow from the one or more distribution nozzles toward and into the return air grill. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein said associating the one or more distribution nozzles comprises disposing the one or more distribution nozzles above the seat, and wherein said associating the return air grill comprises disposing the return air grill below at least a portion of the seat. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising fluidly coupling one or more outflow valves to the return air grill. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising securing the return air grill to one or both of a floor of the internal space, or a portion of the seat. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising mounting a plenum having a filter and a fan to a floor of the internal space. ### Claim 18 A vehicle comprising: an internal cabin; a plurality of seats within the internal cabin; and a ventilation system comprising: one or more distribution nozzles; a return air grill associated with each of the plurality of seats, wherein the return air grill is attached to seat track fittings of one or more of the plurality of seats, wherein the seat track fittings secure the plurality of seats to the floor; a side return air plenum secured to one or both of a sidewall or a floor of the internal cabin; and an air conduit fluidly coupling the return air grill to the side return air plenum, wherein airflow is directed from the one or more distribution nozzles toward and into the return air grill. ### Claim 19 (depends on 8) The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more distribution nozzles are coupled to one or more gasper boost fans within a plenum of the passenger service unit.