A fuse link that having a body including a rigid member, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. A reduced material portion of the body is positioned between the first and second ends, the reduced material portion is configured to fail in response to a predetermined load.

A fuse link that having a body including a rigid member, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. A reduced material portion of the body is positioned between the first and second ends, the reduced material portion is configured to fail in response to a predetermined load.

A method for passive aerial cord release mechanisms and an aerial cord release mechanism for an aerial vehicle (AV). A method includes determining a retracting force to be applied to a winch of an aerial vehicle (AV), wherein the determined retracting force is a force required to retract a cord to be coiled around the winch within the AV, and the cord is temporarily coupled to the winch, such that an external force exceeding a predetermined threshold causes decoupling between the cord and the winch.

A method for passive aerial cord release mechanisms and an aerial cord release mechanism for an aerial vehicle (AV). A method includes determining a retracting force to be applied to a winch of an aerial vehicle (AV), wherein the determined retracting force is a force required to retract a cord to be coiled around the winch within the AV, and the cord is temporarily coupled to the winch, such that an external force exceeding a predetermined threshold causes decoupling between the cord and the winch.

A non-frangible load release assembly having a pre-set tension for release is presented. The load release assembly comprises a snap shackle having a quick release and a link, a spring having a spring rate, and an actuating line with a length selected based on the spring rate to provide the pre-set tension for the load release assembly. The spring is attached to the link of the snap shackle. The actuating line is connected to the quick release of the snap shackle.

A non-frangible load release assembly having a pre-set tension for release is presented. The load release assembly comprises a snap shackle having a quick release and a link, a spring having a spring rate, and an actuating line with a length selected based on the spring rate to provide the pre-set tension for the load release assembly. The spring is attached to the link of the snap shackle. The actuating line is connected to the quick release of the snap shackle.

A hoist system includes a hook; a cable connected to the hook; a motor configured to move the hook and the cable; an overload protection device (OLPD) configured to limit loads imparted on one or more of the hook, the cable, and the motor. The hoist system further includes an emergency brake system configured to stop movement of at least the cable, where the emergency brake system is configured to operate in response to a manual control or automatically in response to a controller.

A hoist system includes a hook; a cable connected to the hook; a motor configured to move the hook and the cable; an overload protection device (OLPD) configured to limit loads imparted on one or more of the hook, the cable, and the motor. The hoist system further includes an emergency brake system configured to stop movement of at least the cable, where the emergency brake system is configured to operate in response to a manual control or automatically in response to a controller.

Disclosed herein are winches comprising an overload protection mechanism. Certain aspects can comprise a drive gear frictionally coupled to a driven gear. Winch assemblies disclosed herein also can be configured to connect to common power tools such as may allow a user to operate the winch without specific training or knowledge of the application to which the winch is applied, without concern for damaging the tool within which the winch is applied. Material lifts, for instance, are contemplated herein as comprising the disclosed winches.

Disclosed herein are winches comprising an overload protection mechanism. Certain aspects can comprise a drive gear frictionally coupled to a driven gear. Winch assemblies disclosed herein also can be configured to connect to common power tools such as may allow a user to operate the winch without specific training or knowledge of the application to which the winch is applied, without concern for damaging the tool within which the winch is applied. Material lifts, for instance, are contemplated herein as comprising the disclosed winches.