A snap-hook comprising: a hook-shaped body having a throat opening and a shank end, wherein the hook-shaped body includes a primary aperture located at the shank end suitable for attaching a primary line and a secondary aperture located approximately opposite the throat opening suitable for attaching a secondary line; and a dual-direction latch pivotally attached to the hook-shaped body such that the dual-direction latch spans the throat opening when in a neutral position and is capable of pivoting into and out of the throat of the hook-shaped body, wherein the dual-direction latch comprises a bent wire having two free ends, each end inserted in a different hole of two holes in the hook-shaped body that are non-axially-aligned resulting in a spring force that biases the dual-direction latch toward the neutral position and resists pivotal movement of the dual-direction latch both into and out of the throat.

A lifting element connection device for connecting a lifting element suspended from a cable to a sling element. The lifting element connection device includes a top surface having at least one angled portion which guides the lifting element towards a receiving area, and a lifting element receiving portion which holds the sling element, receives the lifting element from the receiving area, and provides a connection between the lifting element and the sling element when the lifting element is positioned in the lifting element receiving portion.

Aspects herein are directed to a clamp having a linkage coupled to a first end of a first and second clamp member. Based on applying a first directional force to the linkage, the linkage generates a force that moves the second ends of the first and second clamp member towards one another, thereby biasing the clamp to the closed position. The clamp secures a strap when the clamp is in the closed position and releases the strap when the clamp is in an open position.

An add-on sling-load system capable of being attached to a host that comprises a load provided with at least two slices arrange in a predetermined configuration and preferably a stack and a controlled coupling mechanism configured to attach and release at least one slice from the arranged configuration. The sling load system is used for multiple devices.

An add-on sling-load system capable of being attached to a host that comprises a load provided with at least two slices arrange in a predetermined configuration and preferably a stack and a controlled coupling mechanism configured to attach and release at least one slice from the arranged configuration. The sling load system is used for multiple devices.

A shackle apparatus has a bow having first and second legs, with first and second aligned holes through the legs, a capture head affixed to the bow outside of the second leg, aligned with the second hole, the capture head comprising metal balls in radial channels, and an anchor pin adapted to fit through the first and second holes and into the capture head, the anchor pin having a circumferential groove proximate an end entering the capture head. Placing the anchor pin through the first and second holes and into the capture head causes the capture head to move the balls radially into the circumferential groove in the anchor pin, locking the anchor pin in the bow.

An add-on sling-load system capable of being attached to a host that comprises a load provided with at least two slices arrange in a predetermined configuration and preferably a stack and a controlled coupling mechanism configured to attach and release at least one slice from the arranged configuration. The sling load system is used for multiple devices.

A self-engaging, self-releasing crane hook is disclosed. Example embodiments are directed to a self-engaging, self-releasing crane hook comprising: a hook frame element configured in an inverted U-shape; a load support bar pivotally coupled to the hook frame element; a load support bar catch pivotally coupled to the hook frame element, an end of the load support bar configured to releasably engage a lower edge of the load support bar catch; and a catch release bar pivotally coupled to the hook frame element, an end of the catch release bar configured to releasably engage an upper edge of the load support bar catch.

A self-engaging, self-releasing crane hook is disclosed. Example embodiments are directed to a self-engaging, self-releasing crane hook comprising: a hook frame element configured in an inverted U-shape; a load support bar pivotally coupled to the hook frame element; a load support bar catch pivotally coupled to the hook frame element, an end of the load support bar configured to releasably engage a lower edge of the load support bar catch; and a catch release bar pivotally coupled to the hook frame element, an end of the catch release bar configured to releasably engage an upper edge of the load support bar catch.

A payload receiver apparatus including a base configured to receive a payload suspended from an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), an extending member having an upper end positioned above the base, a first tether engager that extends in a first direction from the extending member, wherein the base includes a payload platform positioned below the first tether end of the channel and configured to receive a payload thereon, wherein the first tether engager is adapted to guide a tether having a first end attached to the UAV and a second end attached to a payload coupling apparatus to a position above the payload platform.