A clutch assembly includes a first gear, a second gear, a first proximity sensor configured to determine a first number of teeth of the first gear that pass by the first proximity sensor within a period of time, and a second proximity sensor configured to determine a second number of teeth of the second gear that pass by the second proximity sensor within the period of time.

Systems and methods are disclosed for package delivery using unmanned aerial vehicles. Example methods may include positioning a first component at a first elevation, and operatively connecting the first component to a winch; positioning a second component at a second elevation higher than the first elevation; and configuring cable of a lifting component to: operatively connect to the first component and the second component, connect to and disconnect from a vehicle, and lift the vehicle from the first component towards the second component using the winch.

Systems and methods are disclosed for package delivery using unmanned aerial vehicles. Example methods may include positioning a first component at a first elevation, and operatively connecting the first component to a winch; positioning a second component at a second elevation higher than the first elevation; and configuring cable of a lifting component to: operatively connect to the first component and the second component, connect to and disconnect from a vehicle, and lift the vehicle from the first component towards the second component using the winch.

A hoist controller for a rescue hoist collects hoist operating data from one or more sensors during operation of the rescue hoist. The hoist controller compares the hoist operating data to a maintenance parameter stored in a memory of the hoist controller and determines a maintenance task status based on the comparison of the hoist operating data and the maintenance parameter. The hoist controller automatically initiates maintenance routines where the maintenance task status indicates that maintenance is required, and the hoist controller provides the maintenance routines to the user via a user interface. The hoist controller can confirm that the maintenance task was successfully completed based on maintenance data received from the one or more sensors.

A hoist controller for a rescue hoist collects hoist operating data from one or more sensors during operation of the rescue hoist. The hoist controller compares the hoist operating data to a maintenance parameter stored in a memory of the hoist controller and determines a maintenance task status based on the comparison of the hoist operating data and the maintenance parameter. The hoist controller automatically initiates maintenance routines where the maintenance task status indicates that maintenance is required, and the hoist controller provides the maintenance routines to the user via a user interface. The hoist controller can confirm that the maintenance task was successfully completed based on maintenance data received from the one or more sensors.

A windlass system and method in which an inertial force resulting from an abrupt removal of primary operating power from a primary source of power during a lifting operation being carried out by a windlass of the windlass system is attenuated to reduce load forces generated by the inertial force.

A windlass system and method in which an inertial force resulting from an abrupt removal of primary operating power from a primary source of power during a lifting operation being carried out by a windlass of the windlass system is attenuated to reduce load forces generated by the inertial force.

A hoist system for cable-reeling operations includes a housing; a drum disposed within the housing and configured to spin about an axis; a motor configured to spin the drum about the axis; an electrically-conductive cable configured to be wound and unwound from the drum as the motor spins the drum about the axis; an electrically-grounded sheave configured to guide the electrically-conductive cable through the housing; and an electrical contact sensor configured to detect contact with the electrically-conductive cable.

A hoist system for cable-reeling operations includes a housing; a drum disposed within the housing and configured to spin about an axis; a motor configured to spin the drum about the axis; an electrically-conductive cable configured to be wound and unwound from the drum as the motor spins the drum about the axis; an electrically-grounded sheave configured to guide the electrically-conductive cable through the housing; and an electrical contact sensor configured to detect contact with the electrically-conductive cable.

A load sensing device for a rescue hoist includes a load pin mounted coaxially with a traction sheave. A cable extends from a cable drum and over the traction sheave before exiting the rescue hoist. The traction sheave is rotatably driven about a traction sheave axis to maintain a back tension on the portion of the cable extending between the cable drum and the traction sheave. When the cable is loaded, strain gauges in the load pin sense a strain on the load pin caused by the load, and the strain information is communicated to a load calculator. Entry angle information is also determined and communicated to the load calculator. The load calculator determines the load on the cable based on the strain information and the entry angle information.