A payload loading system is disclosed. The payload loading system includes a UAV and a loading structure. A retractable tether is coupled to a payload coupling apparatus at a distal end and the UAV at a proximate end. A payload is loaded to the UAV by coupling the payload to the payload coupling apparatus. The loading structure of the payload loading system includes a landing platform and a tether guide. The tether guide is coupled to the landing platform and directs the tether as the UAV approaches and travels across at least a portion of the landing platform such that the payload coupling apparatus arrives at a target location. The payload is loaded to the payload coupling apparatus while the payload coupling apparatus is within the target location.

A payload loading system is disclosed. The payload loading system includes a UAV and a loading structure. A retractable tether is coupled to a payload coupling apparatus at a distal end and the UAV at a proximate end. A payload is loaded to the UAV by coupling the payload to the payload coupling apparatus. The loading structure of the payload loading system includes a landing platform and a tether guide. The tether guide is coupled to the landing platform and directs the tether as the UAV approaches and travels across at least a portion of the landing platform such that the payload coupling apparatus arrives at a target location. The payload is loaded to the payload coupling apparatus while the payload coupling apparatus is within the target location.

An unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a propelling device configured to generate a downward airstream; a package carrier; and wheels arranged so as to allow the package carrier to stand alone. The package carrier includes: vertical members which surround a package in a horizontal direction to prevent falling of the package; support members configured to support a load of the package at positions; and a coupling device configured to hold vertical members so as to enable relative horizontal movement. The support members are each fixed to a corresponding one of the vertical members. The wheels are each mounted to the corresponding one of the vertical members, and enable the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members under a state in which the wheels are on the ground. Through the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members, the package is separable from the support members.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.

The present invention relates to a firefighting helicopter quick-fill system with a filling device primarily comprised of a first end with at least one receiver and a second end comprised of at least one female connector, wherein the first end and the second end are connected by at least one tubing. To use the device, the receiver can be attached to a male nozzle of a firefighting helicopter and the female connector can then be attached to a fire hydrant such that water can be pumped from the fire hydrant, through the tubing, through the connector, and into the helicopter via the male nozzle.

The present invention relates to a firefighting helicopter quick-fill system with a filling device primarily comprised of a first end with at least one receiver and a second end comprised of at least one female connector, wherein the first end and the second end are connected by at least one tubing. To use the device, the receiver can be attached to a male nozzle of a firefighting helicopter and the female connector can then be attached to a fire hydrant such that water can be pumped from the fire hydrant, through the tubing, through the connector, and into the helicopter via the male nozzle.

An aircraft loading system is configured to tether equipment within an aircraft. The loading system has a wedge shaped bracket that has a front plate joined to two side plates and a bottom plate. A middle plate is parallel to the front plate and joins the two side plates. A front opening is arranged through the bottom plate between the front plate and the middle plate. The front opening is configured to accommodate an attachment ring. The attachment ring is used to tether the equipment within the aircraft.

A patient litter basket spin control assembly includes a first gyroscope and a motion sensor for sensing an angular acceleration of a patient litter basket. The first gyroscope generates a counter torque to the litter basket to slow the angular acceleration of the litter basket to provide stabilization. The first gyroscope and a second gyroscope may be configured as a pair and located at opposite ends of the litter basket.

A patient litter basket spin control assembly includes a first gyroscope and a motion sensor for sensing an angular acceleration of a patient litter basket. The first gyroscope generates a counter torque to the litter basket to slow the angular acceleration of the litter basket to provide stabilization. The first gyroscope and a second gyroscope may be configured as a pair and located at opposite ends of the litter basket.

The present invention relates to a system (10) for remote and/or autonomous selecting a tree to be harvested and/or to be transported, said system comprising: a remotely and/or autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (100), UAV, comprising, at least one means for holding (105) and/or harvesting said at least a portion of a tree, means for detecting said a tree to be transported and/or harvested, means for detecting at least one of the group of tree parameters: diameter of said tree, length of said tree, tree species of said tree and/or the weight of said tree, a base station (120) for communication with said means configured for holding (105) and/or harvesting said tree and said UAV (100), and means configured for selecting at least a portion of a tree to be harvested and/or transported depending on at least one of said detected tree parameters.