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 transfer station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a front passage for passage of a UGV and a top 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 UAV suspension system and disengaging a container from a UAV suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the transfer station, a UAV, a UGV, and a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs and UGVs.

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.

A delivery site and delivery method are provided, the delivery site includes: a building having a storage space configured to store an article and a drone apron configured to allow a drone to land thereon, an article receiving device at least partially arranged in the building and configured to receive an article unloaded from the drone on the drone apron, and an article sorting device arranged in the building, and configured to sort a received article into the storage space.

A transfer station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a front passage for passage of a UGV and a top 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 UAV suspension system and disengaging a container from a UAV suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the transfer station, a UAV, a UGV, and a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs and UGVs.

A power drive unit (PDU) may comprise a first motorized roller comprising an outer rotor having a first magnetic member disposed on a radially inner surface of the outer rotor and may have a liner disposed on a radially outer surface of the outer rotor. The PDU may further comprise an inner rotor having a second magnetic member disposed on a radially outer surface of the inner rotor, the inner rotor configured to drive a shaft. The PDU may further comprise a stator located between the outer rotor and the inner rotor, the stator having at least one winding in electromagnetic communication with the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member. The PDU may further comprise a second motorized roller comprising a cylindrical member coupled to the shaft and may have a second liner disposed on a radially outer surface of the cylindrical member.

An air cushion cargo shuttle for loading and unloading cargo on an airplane is described. The air cushion cargo shuttle includes a first inner air curtain defining a first volume of pressurized air. The air cushion cargo shuttle also includes a noise barrier curtain enclosing the first inner air curtain. The noise barrier curtain is adapted to trap air leaking from the first inner air curtain.

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 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.

An air cushion cargo shuttle for loading and unloading cargo on an airplane is described. The air cushion cargo shuttle includes a first inner air curtain defining a first volume of pressurized air. The air cushion cargo shuttle also includes a noise barrier curtain enclosing the first inner air curtain. The noise barrier curtain is adapted to trap air leaking from the first inner air curtain.