A disclosed vertical lift flying craft includes a lift unit that, during operation, develops a force including an upward component. A payload unit suspends from the lift unit. The payload unit suspends from the lift unit in such a way as to impart lateral stability while remaining capable of horizontal flight, without incurring the adverse effects of a downward pitching moment. In addition to a lift unit and a payload unit, the vertical lift flying craft includes a pair of bearings and a suspension structure, which cooperate to suspend the payload unit from the lift unit. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Vertical lift flying craft

A multiple payload system comprising a sling assembly and a frame assembly for suspension from an aircraft. The sling assembly includes an elongated load bearing cable having a first end and a second end. A stress sensor used in measuring the weight of the payloads extends between the aircraft and the first end of the load bearing cable. A payload hook is also attached to the sling assembly with an anti-torque device extending between the second end of the load bearing cable and the payload hook. The anti-torque device permits the payload hook to freely rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing cable. The frame assembly is attached to the payload hook and comprises an airframe with a plurality of payload hooks secured thereto. The payload hooks are used for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads. A stabilizing wing and a plurality of legs are also attached to the airframe. Finally, electrical means are also provided to permit selective actuation of the payload hooks and the load cells from the aircraft.

Methods and apparatus for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft

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.

Aerial transport system

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.

Helicopter hoist systems, devices, and methodologies

An improved dome-type structure having a plurality of load bearing rib elements extending upwards from a base and meeting at a common vertex, a roof deck extending over and supported by these rib elements and vertical side panels are all disposed so as to form an enclosure. The improvement comprises using components for forming the roof deck which are generally trapezoidal and rectangular in shape. The structure is assembled with the interconnection of the trapezoidal and rectangular-shaped components with and without structural ribs which are of inverted T-shape in cross-section. A water trap is provided at one or more places around the base of the structure, and, in locations where there is a scarcity of water, an underground reservoir is provided beneath the structure. The arrangement provides protection against earthquakes and earth tremors. The invention also contemplates the transportation of a complete shell unit under its own power by air lift.

Dome-shaped building structure

Apparatus for use in an aircraft, such as a helicopter, for controlling rotation of a load suspended from a cable and for permitting the cable to swing relative to the helicopter. A frame includes a first or upper assembly which is mounted on the helicopter for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis. The frame also includes a second or lower assembly connected to the upper assembly which is pivotal about a second pivot axis extending transversely to the first pivot axis. A spreader bar is suspended within the frame and is isolated during helicopter pitch and roll. Helicopter yaw imparts positioning of the spreader bar relative to a vertical axis so that the load may be selectively oriented.

Apparatus for controlling orientation of a suspended load

An improved angle guide for use in directing a first structural member toward a position adjacent a section structural member. The angle guide includes a flange and set screw assembly for clamping to the second structural member. A brace extends from the angle guide for engagement with the second structural member for preventing rotation of the angle guide when it is under load.

Angle guide apparatus

A marking device for providing a datum on a plurality of objects, such as spaced-apart cables having their longitudinal axes aligned generally parallel to one another, including a dispenser for releasably holding a plurality of attachments. The dispenser is shiftable relative to the cables for effecting contact between the cables and the attachments which results in simultaneous release and coupling of an attachment onto each of the cables. Preferably, the attachments are formed as resilient annular bands which are elastically deformable radially outwardly so that end portions thereof engage retaining members provided on the dispenser. Additionally, the dispenser includes spaced-apart slots which receive an associated cable.

Harlan B. Smith

Papers

Apparatus for controlling orientation of a suspended load

Angle guide apparatus

Cable marking device