A system for holding one or more bags. The system includes a cart, a first chute disposed on the cart, and a second chute also disposed on the cart. The first chute includes a first edging along each side of the first chute. The second chute includes a second edging along each side of the second chute. The second chute is intertwined with the first chute. The system may further include a third chute and a fourth chute disposed on the cart. The third chute may include a third edging along each side of the third chute, and the fourth chute may include a fourth edging along each side of the fourth chute. The top and bottom of the first chute and the top and bottom of the second chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart, while the top and bottom of the third chute and the top and bottom of the fourth chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart.

A landing system for an unmanned aerial vehicle that includes a flat platform having a central hole that serves as a landing board, a lifting board on which a package can be placed that is positioned horizontally in the central hole, a lifting mechanism for lifting up and lower down the lifting board, a rotatable ring that surrounds the enteral hole and embedded in the flat platform in such a way that it can be leveled with the flat platform, and a motor for rotating the rotatable ring. The unmanned aerial vehicle can be positioned on the rotatable ring in such a way that the it can be horizontally rotated by the rotatable ring.

A rooftop package delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is transformed from a normally closed downwardly pitched transparent or translucent aesthetically acceptable rooftop aperture, appearing as an ordinary skylight, into a preferably larger substantially horizontal delivery platform providing a safe, secure, above ground location for a drone to land or tether for package delivery. Upon a wireless command signal from either an arriving UAV or a local user, the curb frame mounted receptacle containing a center pivoting platform supporting a plurality of slidably mounted panels rotates upwards and expands both longitudinally and transversely enabling a larger substantially horizontal landing area. After the package is delivered the platform contracts to its original size and continues in an upwards rotation urging the package to move inwards for collection. A pair of weatherproof accordion shaped shudders surround the openings and enclose any gaps during the operation.

A delivery tower for receiving a package from an aerial vehicle. The delivery tower has a table top coupled to a base. The base includes telescoping members. The delivery tower has a controller and communications module operably coupled to the base. The table top moves between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position with extension of the telescoping members. In the first, retracted position the delivery tower is configured to operate as an outdoor table. In the second, extended position, the delivery tower is configured to receive a package from the aerial vehicle.

The present technology relates generally to an anti-bump apparatus attached to an end portion of a belt loader and configured to create a space between the end portion and a baggage cart. The anti-bump apparatus includes a shaft portion and a flag portion attached to the shaft portion. The shaft portion is coupled to the end portion of the belt loader with a mounting portion formed from a pivot plate and a mounting plate. The pivot plate is pivotable relative to the mounting plate allowing the anti-bump apparatus to be in either a stowed position or a deployed position. A locking mechanism formed from a locking pin in the pivot plate and a plurality of locking pin holes in the mounting plate ensure that the anti-bump apparatus does not prematurely transition from one position to the other.

A storage station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a top and side passage for passage of a container. One or more funnels are provided at the top passage for guiding the passage of containers therethrough, and an actuator system is provided for, selectively, engaging a container with a suspension system and disengaging a container from a suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the storage station, a UAV, a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs, the storage station, and other transport stations.

A cargo handling system is disclosed herein. The cargo handling system includes a ball panel for moving and storing cargo and a cargo restraining device disposed within the ball panel. The cargo restraining device includes a first side plate, a motor coupled to the first side plate, an outer pawl, an inner pawl configured to engage the outer pawl, and a belt drive assembly coupled to the motor and to the inner pawl, the belt drive assembly configured to engage the inner pawl to extend and retract the inner pawl.

The invention relates to a method by means of which an unmanned transport device (3) docked on a receiving container (1) is loaded with a payload container (7) for a consignment (4), having a loading device (8) for loading the transport device (3) with the payload container (7), wherein the payload container (7) has a bearing means (9) at its first end (8a), the transport device (3) has a loading opening (6) on its underside (5) for receiving the payload container (7), and the loading opening (6), at its front end (19), has a mating contour (20) corresponding to the bearing means (9), and the method has the following steps: the payload container (7), arranged on the loading device (8), is pivoted in relation to the horizontal by the loading device (8) such that the first end (8a) is elevated in relation to a second, opposite end (14) of the payload container (7), the loading device (8) is raised until the payload container (7) ends up at least with its first end (8a) located within and/or beneath the loading opening (6), and the payload container (7) is pivoted by the loading device into the horizontal for introduction into the loading opening (6) such that, first of all, the bearing means (9) comes into engagement with the mating contour (20) and, subsequently, the second end (14) of the payload container (7) comes into engagement with a rear end (22) of the loading opening (6).

A delivery tower for receiving a package from an aerial vehicle. The delivery tower has a table top coupled to a base. The base includes telescoping members. The delivery tower has a controller and communications module operably coupled to the base. The table top moves between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position with extension of the telescoping members. In the first, retracted position the delivery tower is configured to operate as an outdoor table. In the second, extended position, the delivery tower is configured to receive a package from the aerial vehicle.

An aircraft cargo system includes a ball panel assembly having a ball panel and a first enclosure assembly. The ball panel defines a first cutout. The first enclosure assembly is at least partially disposed within the first cutout and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure defining a first opening that receives a first ball transfer unit.