1789results about "Freight handling" patented technology

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for making partial deliveries of cargo provisions includes a UAV having one or more ducted fans and a structural interconnect connecting the one or more fans to a cargo pod. The cargo pod has an outer aerodynamic shell and one or more internal drive systems for modifying a relative position of one or more cargo provisions contained within the cargo pod. Control logic is configured to, after delivery of a partial portion of the cargo provisions contained within the cargo pod, vary a position of at least a portion of the remaining cargo provisions to maintain a substantially same center of gravity of the UAV relative to a center of gravity prior to delivery of the partial portion. Other center of gravity compensation mechanisms may also be controlled by the control logic to aid in maintaining the center of gravity of the UAV.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A system and method for enhancing distribution logistics and surveillance ranges with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and at least one dock in a dock network. The UAV remains in communication with the dock for enhancing distribution logistics of at least one package and increasing the range of surveillance for the unmanned aerial vehicle. From the dock, the UAV delivers the package to a destination point, obtains the package from a pick up point, recharges the unmanned aerial vehicle throughout the network of docks, and increases the range of distribution and surveillance. A logistics software controls the delivery and surveillance. A wireless communication device enables communication between the UAV and the dock. Light indicators indicate status of the package and the operational status of the UAV. A camera captures an image of the package in the dock. A motion detector detects the UAV for regulating access for loading / unloading and docking.

A cargo loading logistics system for verifying cargo loaded on an aircraft receives a desired restraint configuration from a database and determines an actual restraint configuration on the aircraft by receiving data from a plurality of machine readable identifiers corresponding to a plurality of install points and data from a plurality of machine readable identifiers corresponding to a plurality of restraints. The cargo loading logistics system then compares the desired restraint configuration with the actual restraint configuration and determines if the aircraft is properly configured to be loaded for an upcoming flight.

An aircraft cargo locating system determines the location and weight of aircraft cargo placed in unit loading devices. A wireless tag, such as an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag is affixed to each of the loading devices. The system receives information from the tags, and from the information calculates the location of the loading devices and the weight of the loading devices. The system is able to calculate weight and balance parameters to assist in the loading process.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an antenna located so that when baggage is being loaded on a vehicle, the antenna is capable of detecting information transmitted from at least one identity RFID tag located on the vehicle as well as information transmitted from a baggage RFID tag located on an item being loaded on or unloaded from the vehicle (though not necessarily simultaneously). A computer system is configured to compare the information transmitted from the identity RFID tag with expected vehicle information for the item loaded on or unloaded from the vehicle. An alarm condition may be generated if the results of the comparison indicate that the item is loaded on a vehicle other than that which was expected. The computer system may also provide notification to passengers or others regarding successful loading of the item on the vehicle. Similar processes may be used during unloading operations.

A disclosed flying craft includes a suspension structure having a first end and a second end, a lift unit, and a payload unit. The lift unit includes a nacelle and a tailboom, and pivotally couples to the first end of the suspension structure, and a payload unit couples to the structure's second end. Thus the tailboom can pivotally couple with respect to the payload unit, which advantageously permits the tailboom to assume an orientation desirable for a particular mode of flight. During vertical flight or hover, the tailboom can hang from the lift unit in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the suspension structure and that minimizes resistance to downwash from the lift unit. During horizontal flight, the tailboom can be orthogonal to the suspension structure, extending rearward in an orientation where it can develop pitching and yawing moments to control and stabilize horizontal flight. Advantageous variations and methods are also disclosed.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A drone cargo helicopter having an elongated body. The elongated body has a low profile and has a front portion, a rear portion, an upper surface, a lower surface and a pair of opposing sides extending between the front and the rear portions. At least a first blade set is coupled to the upper surface and rotating in a first direction. Two or more struts are pivotally coupled to opposing sides or lower surface of the elongated body, the struts being coupled via a joint at a top end of the strut. The lower surface of the elongated body comprises a substantially planar surface between the front and rear portions, the substantially planar surface having one or more attachments to provide a rigid engagement with a container. The struts are pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the struts support the elongated body a distance from a ground surface that is greater than a height of the container.

Apparatus (20) for aerial transport includes a cabin (24) for containing a load and one or more cables (30), attached so as to suspend the cabin below a hovering aircraft (22). An elevator mechanism (32) is coupled to raise and lower the cabin on the one or more cables. A control unit (56) is coupled to receive an input from at least one cabin sensor (38, 40, 48, 50, 60, 62) that is indicative of the disposition of the cabin relative to the terrestrial target (26), and to control the elevator mechanism responsively to the input so as to bring the cabin into with a predetermined position relative to the terrestrial target while the aircraft is hovering.

An aircraft load management system that determines the position of an aircraft cargo hook for display to an aircrew. The cargo hook positional information may alternatively or additionally be communicated directly to a flight control system and a winch control system to automate and coordinate flight control inputs with winch operation to actively position the cargo hook. Data transfer from the cargo through a data link system also provides the load management system with exact position of the cargo load connection points even prior to attachment of the cargo hook to the load. The load management system also includes anti-sway algorithms for active load stability inputs to the flight control system and to alter flight control laws and automatically compensate for C.G. excursions.

A system and method for integrating air and ground transportation of passengers and cargo. The system comprises a plurality of universal passenger containers. The system further comprises a plurality of universal cargo containers. An airplane is provided with a hollow fuselage adapted to be loaded with a plurality of passenger and / or cargo containers. A flatbed trailer can be provided to carry a passenger or a cargo container. A tractor vehicle can be provided to transport flatbed trailers between airplanes, locations within the airport, and points of origin and destination outside the airport complex. A system can be provided to load and unload passenger and cargo containers into and out of airplanes at the airport. A system is provided comprised of an airport complex including take-off and landing runways, taxiways, airplane staging areas, apparatus for detection of weapons in passenger and cargo containers, and air terminals with arrival and departure gates and baggage handling conveyors. A system is also provided comprised of remote air terminals at strategic locations a distance from the airport complex.

A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Supports such as a pallet carrying aircraft passenger seats or a bottom of a freight container are secured to a floor structure in an aircraft. For this purpose the floor structure includes floor stringers (5) supported on and secured to floor joists (11). The stringers (5) are U-rails having an upwardly open U-cross-section with a first interlocking member (8) in the U-cross-section. An adapter (4, 13) having a present existing stud (8) and shear pin system (8A) is secured in the U-rail of the stringers (5). The adapter (4) is secured to or securable to the support by a latching (2, 3). Another adapter (13) carries rotatable rollers or roller balls that project slightly above an upwardly facing floor level to permit, for example, freight containers or seat pallets to roll along the floor. Instead of adapter (13) it is also possible to install a present existing container latch carrier (14) in the present stringer (5).

A cargo loading logistics system for verifying cargo loaded on an aircraft receives a desired restraint configuration from a database and determines an actual restraint configuration on the aircraft by receiving data from a plurality of machine readable identifiers corresponding to a plurality of install points and data from a plurality of machine readable identifiers corresponding to a plurality of restraints. The cargo loading logistics system then compares the desired restraint configuration with the actual restraint configuration and determines if the aircraft is properly configured to be loaded for an upcoming flight.

In one embodiment, a method of operating an aircraft having a passenger cabin and a cargo hold, comprises the steps of directing passengers to board the aircraft, directing passengers to deposit their luggage in a luggage deposit location on-board the aircraft, and subsequently taking the deposited luggage from the luggage deposit location and then storing the luggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. In another embodiment, a method of unloading an aircraft having a cargo hold and a passenger cabin, comprises the steps of transporting items of luggage from the cargo hold to a luggage collection location on-board the aircraft, and directing passengers to collect their luggage from the luggage collection location and to disembark the aircraft is also provided. Information may be gathered with regard to the identity of passengers embarking and disembarking the aircraft. Yet another embodiment relates to an aircraft having a passenger cabin, a cargo hold, and a luggage handling system mounted in the cargo hold. The luggage handling system may comprise a plurality of luggage storage locations located in the cargo hold of the aircraft, a selector for selecting one of the luggage storage locations, and a luggage transporter for transporting luggage from a luggage deposit location, to the selected luggage storage location.

Aerial dispersion systems that may be employed to allow rapid and temporary conversion of aircraft for aerial dispersion purposes, such as aerial fire-fighting. The aerial dispersion systems may be implemented using modular components that may be configured for compatibility with conventional cargo loading and unloading systems of modern aircraft, including side-loading cargo systems of wide body passenger and cargo aircraft having high lift capacities. The aerial dispersion systems may be rapidly installed in a large fleet of high capacity aircraft in response to a wildfire or other rapidly-developing emergency such as an oil spill, chemical or biological contamination incident, building or refinery fire, etc. After use, the aircraft of the fleet may be rapidly de-modified and returned to original condition. The aerial dispersion systems may be operated with a fleet of aircraft in a coordinated manner, for example, as part of an aerial firefighting formation having multiple aircraft sharing information and / or common control.

An airframe apparatus for attaching and selectively releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft. The airframe apparatus includes a collapsible loading frame that is configured to have a stabilized open position and a collapsed closed position. The loading frame is constructed from a plurality of vertical struts and horizontal struts that are hingedly interconnected at corner assemblies to allow the loading frame to be collapsed. A payload hook is connected to each of the corner assemblies by a universal joint. A plurality of legs are rotatably attached to the loading frame and can be extended below the loading frame to support the payload hooks off the ground during landing of the airframe apparatus. Shock absorbing devices are operatively attached to the legs to absorb the impact of the loading frame against the ground during landing. The airframe apparatus is used as part of a cargo management system for transporting multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft. The cargo management system includes the airframe apparatus, an attached cable assembly which is used to suspend the airframe apparatus beneath an aircraft such as a helicopter, and electronic controls.

A solar-powered airship with a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly with a propulsion device and electric motors configured to drive the propulsion device. The airship may also include a power supply system including solar panels operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The power supply system may also include batteries operatively coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive and store electrical energy supplied by the solar panels, the batteries being further operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The batteries may each be located within an outer envelope of the airship defined by the hull of the airship in a position selected to provide ballast. The solar-powered airship may also include a cargo system configured to contain passengers or freight.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

The invention relates to multi deck passenger aircraft, having passenger cabins and / or service facilities arranged on the upper and lower deck and inner load bearing cell structure provided within aircraft body. The present invention is also directed toward methods for manufacturing derivative multi deck aircrafts. Energy absorbing, floatable cargo containers (24) attached to fuselage belly. External fuel tanks (26) displaced on the top of fuselage. Center wing region of the fuselage is using for arranging rows of seats and service facilities. Addition seating configuration for narrow and wide bodied aircraft is provided. Multi deck seating configuration significantly reduces per passenger operating cost over existing technology. Less fuel per passenger is required since there is less airframe weight and wetted area per passenger. Due to the lower overall cost per passenger seat within the multi deck seating structure, the net profit and return on investment in the aircraft are also increased.

A method of shipping freight directly from a customer's premises to the premises of the consignee. The method includes transporting to a customer's premises at least one freight container. The freight container includes a base, a roof, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls. One of the end walls includes an opening for the loading and removal of freight. The container and the opening are sufficiently large to permit the loading and unloading of freight to and from the container by a conventional fork lift truck. The container has a size of approximately 13 feet long, 8 feet high, and 8 feet wide. The method also includes, at the customer's premises, loading freight into the at least one freight container and securing the freight in the freight container. The method further includes transporting the at least one freight container and its loaded freight, in a secured state, from the customer's premises and to the premises of the consignee of the freight.

A heavy payload, autonomous UAV able to deliver supply by way of airdrop with more precision and at a lower cost. The UAV can be equipped with a movable wing system. The UAV can include a removable storage box. The UAV can be equipped with a drogue parachute for deploying the wings upon jettison of the UAV from a mothership. The UAV can be controlled remotely or it can operate autonomously. The UAV can include canard wings. The canard wings and the movable wings can include ailerons to effectuate flight control of the UAV. The UAV can be reusable or can be an expandable UAV. The UAV's wings can be configured to automatically separate from the UAV during the landing sequence.

An unmanned aerial vehicle for aerial transportation of delivery items. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an attachment device to fasten and unfasten one or more delivery items to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a motor to aerially transport the one or more delivery items along a delivery route, a sensor mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to detect at least one environmental variable during the delivery route, and an alert system to generate a status associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle along the delivery route to an observer when the environmental variable exceeds a predetermined threshold.

A device is provided for hoisting a module for mounting into an overhead space, such as the crown of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes a frame that supports the module, and a lifting device that lifts the first frame to properly place the module. The lifting device includes a frame, attachment devices that attach the frame of the lifting device to overhead support frames, and a driving device that moves the frame of the lifting device up the attachment devices. The frame of the lifting device receives the frame that supports the module as the frame of the lifting device is moved by the driving device.