The present disclosure provides an end-to-end cargo handling system. The end-to-end cargo handling system comprises a transportation unit comprising a first sensing agent, a lift unit comprising a second sensing agent, and a control module in communication with the transportation unit and the lift unit via a network, wherein the transportation unit and the lift unit are configured to move a cargo unit from a first location to a second location autonomously.

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 method for loading an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with multiple items is disclosed. The method includes determining a weight, size, and Center of Gravity of each of the multiple items. The method also includes positioning the multiple items relative to one another such that a combined Center of Gravity of the multiple items will be positioned within a predetermined region. The method further includes loading the multiple items onto the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with the combined Center of Gravity of the multiple items positioned within the predetermined region.

The present disclosure provides an end-to-end cargo handling system. The end-to-end cargo handling system comprises a transportation unit comprising a first sensing agent, a lift unit comprising a second sensing agent, and a control module in communication with the transportation unit and the lift unit via a network, wherein the transportation unit and the lift unit are configured to move a cargo unit from a first location to a second location autonomously.

A trolley system for transferring cargo in relation to a cargo compartment of a vehicle includes a frame defining a cargo-retaining platform. The cargo-retaining platform is configured to receive and retain the cargo. At least a portion of a lower surface of the frame is formed of a low friction material. One or more handles are moveably coupled to the frame. The handle(s) are configured to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. One or more attachments are configured to secure the cargo on the cargo-retaining platform.

A payload retrieval apparatus including a stand having an upper end and a lower end, a channel having a first end and a second end, the channel coupled to the stand, a first extension that extends in a first direction from the first end of the channel, wherein the first extension is configured to direct a tether extending from a UAV and a payload retriever attached to an end of the tether toward the first end of the channel, wherein the second end of the channel has a payload engaging member positioned near the second end of the channel that is adapted to secure a payload, and wherein the payload retrieval apparatus is configured to cause the UAV to pick up the payload with the payload retriever while maintaining flying.

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 control system for a cargo handling system is disclosed. The control system may be configured to advance larger containers at a slower speed than smaller containers. For instance, all containers may be initially advanced by the same first velocity control signal. At the expiration of a certain time period, all containers may thereafter be advanced by a different velocity control signal (from the first velocity control signal) that should least substantially maintain the velocity of the container as it existed at the time of the expiration of the noted time period. The length of the time period (for advancing the container at the first velocity control signal) may be varied based upon the size of the containers such that larger containers are accelerated for a shorter time than smaller containers and which in turn should then advance larger containers at a lower velocity compared to smaller containers.

Methods and apparatus to position a cargo unit in a cargo compartment of an aircraft are disclosed herein. An example linear track system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft includes a first linear synchronous motor (LSM) track coupled to a floor of the cargo compartment, a second LSM track coupled to the floor of the cargo compartment, and a cargo positioning system to activate the first and second LSM tracks to move a cargo unit along the first and second LSM tracks through the cargo compartment. A bottom of the cargo unit has first and second strips of conductive material to interact with the corresponding first and second LSM tracks.

A payload release device, a payload release assembly including a payload release device, and methods for arming a payload release device. A payload release device includes a member and a button. The member has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion has an aperture defining a bottom edge, a first upwardly sloping edge, and a second upwardly sloping edge, wherein each upwardly sloping edge is upwardly sloping with respect to the bottom edge. The button has a top surface and is at least partially disposed in the aperture, wherein the button is depressed toward the first upwardly sloping edge when force is applied thereto, wherein the button raises toward the second upwardly sloping edge when at least a portion of the force applied to the button is released, and wherein the second upwardly sloping edge is parallel with the top surface of the button.