Embodiments of the disclosure include a reel hoist interlock system for an overhead crane having one or more sensors disposed on a hook of the overhead crane. The sensors provide a signal indicative of whether the hook is secured to an object to be lifted by the overhead crane. The reel hoist interlock system also includes transmitters in communication with the sensors. The transmitters receive and transmit the signal provided by the sensors. The reel hoist interlock system further includes a controller configured to operate the overhead crane based on an input signal received from a remote and based on the signals received from the transmitters and indicators operated by the controller based on the signals received from at least one of the transmitters and the remote.

A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers. Measured parameters appurtenant to the mission—such as the weight of the load, height of the smart-hook above a surface, altitude of the aircraft, distance between the aircraft and end of the hook, location of the hook in three-dimensional space, forces on the hook and cable, and other mission-critical information—may be overlaid, or rendered proximate to the real images to provide crew members with a full understanding of a mission.

A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers. Measured parameters appurtenant to the mission—such as the weight of the load, height of the smart-hook above a surface, altitude of the aircraft, distance between the aircraft and end of the hook, location of the hook in three-dimensional space, forces on the hook and cable, and other mission-critical information—may be overlaid, or rendered proximate to the real images to provide crew members with a full understanding of a mission.

A hoist hook assembly having a cable overload detection system may include a plate, a hook mechanically coupled to the plate, and a switch mechanically coupled to the plate. The switch may be configured to translate into a triggered position in response to a load on the hook indicative of an overload condition.

A hoist hook assembly having a cable overload detection system may include a plate, a hook mechanically coupled to the plate, and a switch mechanically coupled to the plate. The switch may be configured to translate into a triggered position in response to a load on the hook indicative of an overload condition.

A sensing device for a crane for detecting unsafe operating conditions including an inertial measurement unit for measuring pitch and yaw of a hook of a crane attached to a load. The inertial measurement unit is adapted to measure deviation of the hook of the crane from a plumb position and activate an alert element if the deviation of the hook exceeds a predetermined limit.

A sensing device for a crane for detecting unsafe operating conditions including an inertial measurement unit for measuring pitch and yaw of a hook of a crane attached to a load. The inertial measurement unit is adapted to measure deviation of the hook of the crane from a plumb position and activate an alert element if the deviation of the hook exceeds a predetermined limit.

An aircraft hoist system includes hoist equipment arranged in an aircraft, the hoist equipment including a motor, a cable, and a hook portion. The aircraft hoist system also includes at least one sensor configured to obtain measurements and a processor configured to analyze the measurements from the at least one sensor. The aircraft hoist system also includes the processor configured to determine motor control signals to control the motor based on an analysis of the measurements from the at least one sensor to reduce sway and/or oscillations of the cable while lifting a load. The aircraft hoist system also includes the processor configured to control the motor to lift the load with the cable based on the determined motor control signals.

An aircraft hoist system includes hoist equipment arranged in an aircraft, the hoist equipment including a motor, a cable, and a hook portion. The aircraft hoist system also includes at least one sensor configured to obtain measurements and a processor configured to analyze the measurements from the at least one sensor. The aircraft hoist system also includes the processor configured to determine motor control signals to control the motor based on an analysis of the measurements from the at least one sensor to reduce sway and/or oscillations of the cable while lifting a load. The aircraft hoist system also includes the processor configured to control the motor to lift the load with the cable based on the determined motor control signals.

A safety load hook with a lower part defining a curved hook mouth with a hook opening of a predefined nominal width. An upper part is attached to the lower part and is pivotable into an open position for insertion or removal of a load, and into a closed position blocking insertion of a load or removal of a load. A marking is on each of the end regions of the upper part and lower part which face one another in the closed state. When closed, and when a size of the hook opening corresponds to the nominal width, the lower part marking is offset from the upper part marking. The offset distance is chosen such that when there is a predefined maximum widening of the hook mouth in relation to the predefined nominal width thereof, both markings are located directly side by side in the closed state.