A payload coupling apparatus is provided that includes a housing. The housing is adapted for attachment to a first end of a tether. The apparatus further includes 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. The slot is adapted to receive a handle of a payload. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to detect touchdown of the payload and a transmitter configured to send a touchdown confirmation signal to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on a touchdown detection by the sensor.

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.

A lifting mechanism assembly comprising a lifting section, a compression section, and an attaching section.

A lifting mechanism assembly comprising a lifting section, a compression section, and an attaching section.

A self-release mechanism. The self-release mechanism includes a counter-weight, wherein the counter-weight is located on a first end of the self-release mechanism; a shaft having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the shaft is coupled to the counter-weight, wherein the shaft defines a perforation, wherein the perforation is adapted to receive a cord; and a hook including a hook bend, wherein the hook is located on a second end of the self-release mechanism, wherein the hook is coupled to the bottom portion of the shaft, wherein the self-release mechanism moves to a first position when a tension is exerted on the self-release mechanism due to gravity caused by coupling of the hook to a payload via the hook bend, wherein the self-release mechanism moves to a second position when the exerted tension is released.

A self-release mechanism. The self-release mechanism includes a counter-weight, wherein the counter-weight is located on a first end of the self-release mechanism; a shaft having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the shaft is coupled to the counter-weight, wherein the shaft defines a perforation, wherein the perforation is adapted to receive a cord; and a hook including a hook bend, wherein the hook is located on a second end of the self-release mechanism, wherein the hook is coupled to the bottom portion of the shaft, wherein the self-release mechanism moves to a first position when a tension is exerted on the self-release mechanism due to gravity caused by coupling of the hook to a payload via the hook bend, wherein the self-release mechanism moves to a second position when the exerted tension is released.

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.

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.