A system for monitoring and maintaining aircraft cargos includes a plurality of master control panels each operatively connected with at least one Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) operating in a cargo compartment of an aircraft, and at least one unit load device (ULD). The at least one ULD and at least one LRU are configured to move a cargo unit in the cargo compartment based on a control signal from the master control panel. The system also includes a command unit operatively connected with each control panel of the plurality of master control panels. The command unit includes a processor configured to retrieve a status of the cargo from each of the plurality of master control panels, and display, on an output device, a status of the at least one ULD of a plurality of ULDs and a status of the at least one LRU via the processor.

A translating drive unit (TDU) may comprise: a housing; a plurality of guide rollers coupled to the housing; a drive system coupled to the housing, the drive system configured to translate the housing in a longitudinal direction; and a retractable pawl coupled to the housing.

Enhanced systems and methods for collision avoidance of a high value asset with reflective beacons around it using multi-sensor data fusion on a mobile industrial vehicle. The system has a sensing processing system with a LiDAR and camera sensors, and a multi-processor module responsive to the different sensors. The sensing processing system fuses the different sensor data to locate the reflective beacons. A model predictive controller on the vehicle determines possible control solutions where each defines a threshold allowable speed for the vehicle at discrete moments based upon an estimated path to a breaching point projected from the reflective beacons, and then identifies an optimal one of the control solutions based upon a performance cost function and associated with an optimal threshold allowable speed. The system has a vehicle actuator configured to respond and alter vehicle movement to avoid a collision when the vehicle exceeds the optimal threshold allowable speed.

A boom conveyor includes a boom that carries a conveyor, a support structure for the boom, a rear pivot joint that connects a rear end of the boom to the support structure, and a pivot drive that controls pivoting movement of the boom about the rear pivot joint. The boom conveyor apparatus includes an operator platform and an attachment mechanism at a front end of the boom whereby the operator platform may be attached to the boom or detached therefrom. The attachment mechanism includes a leveling mechanism that is configured to apply a leveling adjustment to the operator platform.

An aircraft loader 54 includes an upper loading platform 50 and an underlying frame 52 with the frame utilizing the bogey suspension system 60, as well as carrying auxiliary lift system 400 at the rearward end thereof for assisting in the initial lifting of the platform relative to the frame. Powered roller assemblies 100, 110, 120, and 130, composed of hollow drive shafts, may be conveniently assembled and disassembled from the underside of loading platform 50. A plurality of upwardly convex-shaped static slider elements 200 facilitate unidirectional movement of loads on the platform 50. At the forward end of the platform, a guard or side rail 316 is rotatable from a retracted position within the confines of a control platform 68 to a forwardly directed position toward the fuselage of the aircraft. The side rail 316 is shaped to resemble the exterior cross-sectional shape of the fuselage, thereby to close the gap between the forward end of the loading platform and the fuselage, for the protection of loader personnel.

A boom conveyor apparatus includes a boom that carries a conveyor, a support structure for the boom, a rear pivot joint that connects a rear end of the boom to the support structure, and a pivot drive that controls pivoting movement of the boom about the rear pivot joint. The boom conveyor apparatus includes an operator platform and an attachment mechanism at a front end of the boom whereby the operator platform may be attached to the boom or detached therefrom. The attachment mechanism includes a levelling mechanism that is configured to apply a levelling adjustment to the operator platform.

A mono-rail crane system (and a corresponding operation method) for use in an aircraft. The crane system comprises a first longitudinal mono-rail installable on the underside of a rear cargo door of the airplane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear cargo door; a second longitudinal mono-rail, which is installable on a cargo hold ceiling of the aircraft, and, in the fully opened state of the rear cargo door, in aligned continuity with the first longitudinal mono-rail so that the longitudinal axes of the first and second longitudinal mono-rails coincide to form one common longitudinal axis; a crane mobile equipment configured to be moved along the first and second longitudinal mono-rails in order to hoist and transfer the load; and a linear actuator configured to advance and retreat the second longitudinal monorail towards and away from the first longitudinal monorail.

A multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle and method. The multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a cargo conveying rack, a lifting mechanism, and a control system; the vehicle body is located below for providing a platform and support; the cargo conveying rack is located above the vehicle body and includes a plurality of layers for loading and unloading cargoes; the lifting mechanism is located on the outer side of the cargo conveying rack for lifting the cargo conveying rack; the control system is located on the vehicle body for controlling omni-directional driving, accurate butt joint, and automatic loading and unloading of the multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle. Accordingly, a multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle is adopted such that the multi-task functions of loading and unloading, transporting, and conveying of cargoes are simultaneously realized, thereby efficiently completing the transferring process of cargoes from a storage place to a transporting carrier.

Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are described that relate to module structures for use in forming a cabin interior of an aircraft. Many embodiments relate to a support structure including a lattice configurable to provide a standardizable frame for connection to the interior of the aircraft and to provide a space within the frame in which module fixtures can be positioned and secured to the frame. Embodiments of the support structure can include a floor with a number of structures and devices that can be used to provide support for the module and secure the module to the floor of the aircraft fuselage. Embodiments of transport systems for the modules are also described and such can be integrated with the floor of the module such that the modules transport mechanism, or a significant portion thereof, is contained within the module itself.

A landing pad for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The landing pad includes a support structure, a charging pad, and a plurality of movable UAV supports. The charging pad is coupled to the support structure and able to move relative to the support structure. The UAV supports are also coupled to the support structure and configured to translate along the support structure from a first position to a second position. When the UAV supports are in the first position, the charging pad supports the UAV. When the UAV supports are in the second position, the charging pad is lowered and the UAV supports then provide support to the UAV.