An aircraft cargo restraint system includes a fuselage framework defining a cargo cabin, a webbing configured to restrain cargo positionable within the cargo cabin, one or more spring tension reels configured to bias the webbing towards a top of the cargo cabin, and one or more actuators configured to move the webbing toward a bottom of the cargo cabin against the bias of the one or more spring tension reels.

Systems and methods are described for monitoring, detecting, and initiating a response to an environmental anomaly within a shipping container of packages involves sensor-based ID nodes, a command node and an external transceiver on a transit vehicle. Each ID node generates and broadcasts sensor data on environmental conditions proximate the respective ID node within the shipping container. The command node detects the sensor data from each ID node and compares it with locally maintained context data (an environmental threshold condition) for that ID node to detect the environmental anomaly when sensor data exceeds a respective threshold condition. The command node then generates a layered alert notification related to the environmental anomaly identifying a targeted mediation recipient and targeted mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority. The command node initiates a mediation response related to the targeted mediation action by transmitting the layered alert notification transmitted to the external transceiver.

A cargo restraint assembly may comprise a first bracket slidingly coupled to a housing. A retention block may be pivotably coupled to the first bracket. A second bracket may be slidingly coupled to the housing. The first bracket may be coupled to the second bracket via a spring. The first bracket and the second bracket may be configured to attenuate in response to a cargo deck bending during transportation of cargo in an aircraft.

A decking beam end assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a beam end body configured to be slidably disposed within an end of a hollow beam member. A U-shaped foot is pivotally coupled to the beam end body, wherein the foot further comprises a flanged head configured to be slidably captured within a capture area of an L-track. A latch is pivotally coupled to the foot, wherein the latch comprises a retaining lug configured to concurrently fit into two successive circular openings of the L-track and a straight rail opening in the L-track connecting the two circular openings.

A system for repositioning rails in a cargo bay of an aircraft. The system includes a base configured to be coupled to a structure in the cargo bay and having a first side and a second side. The system further includes a cradle for receiving a rail for restricting movement of a unit load device (ULD) in at least one direction, the cradle configured to position the rail between a first position and a second position in which the rail is closer to the second side of the base than when the rail is in the second position.

An actuator assembly may comprise a control unit and a shape memory coil spring in electrical communication with the control unit. The shape memory coil spring may increase from a first length to a second length in response to receiving a current from the control unit. The shape memory coil spring may be configured to translate a spacer and/or a slider shaft in response to increasing in length. The shape memory coil spring may be configured to transition a pawl in a latch assembly from a retracted state to an erected state, and vice versa.

A cargo handling system includes a conveyance surface; a first power drive unit having a first drive roller; a first restraint device; one or more sensors configured to provide positional data corresponding to a current location of a unit load device on the conveyance surface; a first power drive unit controller configured for communication with the one or more sensors, the first power drive unit configured to selectively activate and deactivate the first drive roller and the first restraint device based on the positional data and a second power drive unit and a second power drive unit controller configured for communication with the sensor, the second power drive unit controller configured to selectively activate and deactivate a second drive roller based on the positional data.

A package command node detects an environmental anomaly related to a shipment package for transport within a shipping container on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver. The package command node has a command node housing disposed with the package, a processor within the housing, a memory maintaining package command node environmental detection program code, and a wireless transceiver communication interface that communicates with sensor-based ID nodes generating sensor data from different parts of the container. The package command node's processor is programmatically configured to detect the ID node sensor data; identify the anomaly when the detected sensor data indicates an environmental condition that exceeds an environmental threshold; generate an alert notification related to the anomaly; and transmit the alert notification to the external transceiver to initiate a mediation response related to the environmental anomaly.

A blanket apparatus is described for enhanced detecting of an environmental anomaly relative to a shipping container temporarily maintaining packages. Generally, the apparatus includes a detection blanket disposed proximate the packages and multiple sensor-based ID nodes integrated as part of the detection blanket in a geographically disperse configuration relative to the detection blanket. Each of the sensor-based ID nodes has a processor, memory (with ID node monitoring program code), an environmental sensor, and a wireless radio transceiver. The sensor generates sensor data related to an environmental condition adjacent the sensor and indicative of the environmental anomaly when the sensor data generated is above a threshold condition for that sensor. The transceiver is configured to access and broadcast the sensor data generated in response to a report command from the ID node's processor when the ID node processor executes the ID node monitoring program code.

A cargo compartment module for an aircraft, including at least one floor, at least one side wall that is connected to the floor, upper installation points for connecting the side wall to the main deck, in particular transverse supports of the main deck, lower installation points for connecting the side wall to frames and/or other structural elements of the aircraft, wherein the side wall has reinforcements such that the side wall in an installed state forms part of the load-bearing structure of the aircraft and/or supports the main deck.