B64D9/003

Systems and methods for loading and unloading a cargo aircraft

Systems and methods for loading a cargo aircraft are described. The system includes at least one rail disposed in an interior cargo bay of a cargo aircraft that extends at an angle relative to an interior bottom contact surface of a forward portion of the interior cargo bay, through a kinked portion and an aft portion of the interior cargo bay. Payload-receiving fixtures are described that can be used in conjunction with the rail system, allowing for large cargo, such as wind turbine blades, to be transported by aircraft. Methods of loading a cargo aircraft can include advancing the large payload into the interior cargo bay of the aircraft such that at least one of the payload-receiving fixtures rises relative to a plane defined by the interior bottom contact surface of the forward portion of the interior cargo bay. Various systems, methods, components, and related tooling are also provided.

VARIABLE BRAKING SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

A brake roller assembly may comprise: a shaft; a first roller bearing coupled to the shaft and disposed at a first axial end of the shaft a second roller bearing coupled to the shaft and disposed at a second axial end of the shaft; a roller cylinder disposed radially outward of the first roller bearing and the second roller bearing; and a braking arrangement, including a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of rotor disks coupled to the roller cylinder, each rotor disk in the plurality of rotor disks disposed between an anode in the plurality of electrodes and a cathode in the plurality of electrodes.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly using multiple command nodes

A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND VERIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ANOMALY USING MULTIPLE COMMAND NODES
20220078239 · 2022-03-10 ·

A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND VERIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ANOMALY USING MULTIPLE COMMAND NODES
20220078240 · 2022-03-10 ·

A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

SIDE GUIDE ADAPTER, SIDE GUIDE SYSTEM, CARGO DECK, AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING A CARGO DECK
20220063808 · 2022-03-03 ·

The present invention relates to a side guide adapter (10) for guiding and/or retaining a cargo item (51), in particular a pallet (52), in an aircraft, comprising: at least one fastening element (11) for fastening to a rail section, in particular a perforated rail section, of a side guide (41); at least one spacer element (12) for bridging a distance to the cargo item (51), wherein the spacer element (12) and the fastening element (11) are hingedly connected to each other; and at least one retaining section (13) for the cargo item (51), which is arranged on an end face (14) of the spacer element (12) and comprises at least one retaining contour (15) for guiding and/or retaining the cargo item (51).

Furthermore, the invention relates to a side guide system, a cargo deck, and a method for converting a cargo deck.

Airport Freight and Cargo Transfer System

A system and a method are provided for safely and efficiently transferring cargo and freight packed in ULD containers directly between an airport freight terminal and freight aircraft. An enclosed freightway is designed to provide a direct connection between the freight terminal and aircraft cargo doors. The enclosed freightway is structured and sized to move ULD containers automatically or manually between freight aircraft and freight terminals. Different freightway configurations enable direct connection between the freight terminal and freight aircraft main cargo door when freight aircraft are driven by electric taxi drive systems or aircraft engines and parked in nose-in orientations and when freight aircraft are driven by electric taxi drive systems and parked in parallel orientations at the freight terminal. An alternative embodiment provides direct connections between freight aircraft cargo doors and interior loading docks for aircraft driven with electric taxi drive systems.

EFFICIENT BRAKING AND ANTI-TAIL TIP CARGO HANDLING SYSTEMS
20220073292 · 2022-03-10 · ·

A cargo handling system may comprise a roller tray and a power drive unit located in the roller tray. The power drive unit may comprise a drive roller, a motor configured to drive a rotation the drive roller, and a load cell configured to detect a load applied to the drive roller.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly using multiple command nodes

A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

MODULAR PAYLOAD TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR AIR VEHICLES
20210323673 · 2021-10-21 ·

A modular payload transport system is described for the releasable coupling of a payload to a support structure. The payload transport system may be adaptable to multiple modes of transportation to create a flexible and portable system for securing a payload. In some embodiments, the payload transport system may consist of a portable medical stretcher and a coupling system that secures the stretcher to a transportation vehicle such as an aircraft.