A device for securing at least one sling for transporting a load under a helicopter, the securing device comprising at least a first strap and at least a second strap, a connection mechanism configured, in the closed state, to connect the straps, to form a comprehensive security strap capable of supporting a sling and, in the open state, to release the straps for releasing the sling, and an actuator configured to open the connection mechanism following a mechanical effort being introduced, the connection mechanism comprising cascading reduction means configured to reduce the resistance force during the opening of the connection mechanism generated by the load connected to the sling.

Described herein are apparatuses for passively releasing a payload of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An example apparatus may include, among other features, (i) a housing; (ii) a swing arm coupled to the housing, wherein the swing arm is operable to toggle between an open position and a closed position; (iii) a spring mechanism adapted to exert a force on the swing arm from the open position toward the closed position; (iv) a receiving system of a UAV adapted to receive the housing, wherein the receiving system causes the swing arm to be arranged in the open position; and (v) a spool operable to unwind and wind a tether coupled to the housing, wherein unwinding the tether causes a descent of the housing from the receiving system, and wherein winding the tether causes an ascent of the housing to the receiving system.

Described herein are apparatuses for passively releasing a payload of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An example apparatus may include, among other features, (i) a housing; (ii) a swing arm coupled to the housing, wherein the swing arm is operable to toggle between an open position and a closed position; (iii) a spring mechanism adapted to exert a force on the swing arm from the open position toward the closed position; (iv) a receiving system of a UAV adapted to receive the housing, wherein the receiving system causes the swing arm to be arranged in the open position; and (v) a spool operable to unwind and wind a tether coupled to the housing, wherein unwinding the tether causes a descent of the housing from the receiving system, and wherein winding the tether causes an ascent of the housing to the receiving system.

Disclosed is a delivered article loading apparatus, which is mounted to a lifting wire installed at the drone to be capable of lifting. The delivered article loading apparatus includes a lifting body installed at a lower end of the lifting wire; and a disposable hanging body coupled to be selectively connected to or separated from the lifting body and having a hooking unit at a lower portion thereof, wherein the lifting body and the disposable hanging body are automatically separated by a mechanical or electromagnetic interaction therebetween.

A disconnect assembly configured to disconnect a parachute of an aerial delivery apparatus from a payload includes a detector device, a disconnect device, and a transmit cable. The detector device is configured to detect that the aerial delivery apparatus has landed, the disconnect device is configured to provide a releasable connection between the parachute and the payload, and the transmit cable is configured to transmit a mechanical trigger force from the detector device to the disconnect device. When the detector device detects that the aerial delivery apparatus has landed, the transmit cable transmits a mechanical trigger force from the detector device to the disconnect device and the disconnect device releases the connection between the parachute and the payload.

Described herein are apparatuses for passively releasing a payload of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An example apparatus may include, among other features, (i) a housing; (ii) a swing arm coupled to the housing, wherein the swing arm is operable to toggle between an open position and a closed position; (iii) a spring mechanism adapted to exert a force on the swing arm from the open position toward the closed position; (iv) a receiving system of a UAV adapted to receive the housing, wherein the receiving system causes the swing arm to be arranged in the open position; and (v) a spool operable to unwind and wind a tether coupled to the housing, wherein unwinding the tether causes a descent of the housing from the receiving system, and wherein winding the tether causes an ascent of the housing to the receiving system.

An automatic parachute release device is a quick release coupler that becomes disengaged after an externally applied tension load is removed. The parachute release device has a parachute connection fastener, a camlock mechanism, a retention mechanism and a catch pin. The camlock mechanism is a mechanical controller that transitions the retention mechanism between a set configuration and a release configuration. While in the set configuration, the retention device is clamped around the catch pin. While in the release configuration, the retention mechanism disengages the catch pin. Thus, the retentive capabilities of the retention mechanism are governed by the configuration of the camlock mechanism. The retention mechanism remains in the set configuration until the load is removed. At which point, the retention mechanism slides into a dedicated slot of the camlock mechanism and becomes disengaged.

A device for disconnection by a mechanical action includes at least one mechanical connection part, in particular a buckle held closed by spring action, linked to at least one trigger via at least one connecting member, and a release lever configured to be triggered by application of a force according to a predefined opening direction. The disconnect device also includes at least one guide for the connecting member configured to redirect an effort applied on the trigger, when opening is required, towards the mechanical connection part linked to the connecting member, according to the predefined opening direction.

A payload coupling apparatus is provided including a housing, wherein the housing is adapted for attachment to a first end of a tether, a slot extending downwardly from an outer surface of the housing towards a center of the housing thereby forming a lower lip on the housing beneath the slot, and wherein the slot is adapted to receive a handle of a payload. A method of delivering a payload using the payload coupling apparatus is also provided