Abstract: An aerial delivery system for use with aircraft having a rear ramp and a cargo handling system. The aerial delivery system includes a cartridge base platform and a ramp platform. The cartridge base platform locks to the aircraft cargo handling system and the ramp platform locks to the aircraft ramp. A restraint subsystem restrains one or more cargo containers positioned on the cartridge base platform.

Abstract: A rail system for retaining cargo payload has a longitudinal inboard rail and an opposing longitudinal outboard rail. The inboard rail has a recess extending longitudinally for sliding receipt of a lip on a payload. A latch plate extends at least partially into the recess for engagement with the payload. The latch plate is pivotable from an engaged position retaining the payload in a fore-and-aft position to a disengaged position releasing the fore-and-aft retention optionally by a lever system.

Abstract: A rail system for retaining cargo payload has a longitudinal inboard rail and an opposing longitudinal outboard rail. The inboard rail has a recess extending longitudinally for sliding receipt of a lip on a payload. A latch plate extends at least partially into the recess for engagement with the payload. The latch plate is pivotable from an engaged position retaining the payload in a fore-and-aft position to a disengaged position releasing the fore-and-aft retention optionally by a lever system.

Abstract: An extraction force transfer coupling device is particularly adapted for use with certain cargo aircraft systems for aerial delivery of a load. The extraction force transfer coupling device employs a drop arm which prevents inadvertent actuation of the actuator arm. Prior to aerial delivery, the actuator arm is obstructed by the drop arm. When the platform is forwardly extracted from the aircraft, the drop arm slides along and eventually disengages from the aircraft floor which eventually results in actuation of the cable release to provide for opening of a suspension parachute.

Abstract: An advanced cargo restraint employs an elongated rope-like member formed of web material. The web material is manufactured from high-modulus fibers. Various connectors are attached to the elongated member. In some embodiments, a small linkage of chain is also connected directly or indirectly with the advanced cargo restraint member. The advanced cargo restraint member is adapted to substitute for heavy-duty chains employed to secure cargo.

Abstract: A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches.

Abstract: A compression assembly tool for attaching a connector to a coaxial cable includes a tool body that supports a connector to be compressed in a compression head, a fixed handle, a moving lever handle, and an axially sliding plunger. The lever handle is pivotally connected to the tool body at the front end and to a link at the back end. The connection of the link to the back end of the lever handle and the placement of pivot points at opposite ends of the lever handle provides a scissor action appearance. The relative lengths of the lever handle, plunger and link and the placement of the pivots provides high levels of compression force and sufficient compression travel by the plunger to compress connectors of different lengths while requiring only a very limited handle opening angle, which allows maximum hand strength to be applied to the tool handles.

Abstract: A compression assembly hand tool for attaching a connector to a coaxial cable tool includes a sliding carriage driven by handles through multiple stages of mechanical advantage to provide a very high level of compression assembly force in order to compress large diameter connectors. The middle and the back of a connector are engaged between relatively closely spaced, parallel, and opposed compression surfaces on the front of the tool and on the sliding carriage. Adapter inserts that slide into openings in the compression surfaces allow different connector sizes to be compressed. The tool allows the cable to extend outward from either end so that splice connectors may be attached. In the preferred design, a ratcheting system using two pawls provides the very highest level of compression force.

Abstract: A compression assembly hand tool for attaching a connector to a coaxial cable tool includes a sliding carriage driven by handles through multiple stages of mechanical advantage to provide a very high level of compression assembly force in order to compress large diameter connectors. The middle and the back of a connector are engaged between relatively closely spaced, parallel, and opposed compression surfaces on the front of the tool and on the sliding carriage. Adapter inserts that slide into openings in the compression surfaces allow different connector sizes to be compressed. the tool allows the cable to extend outward from either end so that splice connectors may be attached. In the preferred design, a ratcheting system using two pawls provides the very highest level of compression force.

Abstract: An adjustable coaxial cable stripping tool for preparing an end of a coaxial cable for attachment to a connector includes first and second mechanisms located at opposite ends of the tool. The first cutting mechanism uses a pair of jaws and a planar cutting blade mounted in a replaceable blade cartridge to cut through the outer conductor and inner insulation to the inner conductor. The second cutting mechanism uses a double edged cutting blade and an adjustable stop that contacts the cut made by the first cutting mechanism to control the distance that the outer insulation is removed beyond the first cut. A third cutter is optionally provided to form a bevel on the end of the inner conductor.

Abstract: A compression assembly hand tool for attaching a connector to a cable by axially compressing the connector has a reduced actuation force to operate the tool. Increased leverage is achieved through the use of a long swing arm link having one end connected via a first pivot directly to the tool body and the other end connected via a second pivot to a handle. The handle is connected to drive a plunger via a third pivot.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a triggering device employs a knob fixed to a rotating part of the triggering device. The knob carries a selector lever that is pivotable to radially project from the knob in angularly spaced directions. Arcuate walls surround the knob to define gaps corresponding to alternative rotational periods for the knob. The selector is pivoted to travel in one or the other gap. The selected rotational period may correspond to a predetermined time.

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller.

Abstract: A compression assembly tool having multiple split bases for attaching connectors of different sizes to corresponding coaxial cables of different dimensions by compressing the connectors axially. The tool uses a light rigid O-frame and at least two pairs of split base supports located at different distances from a compression plunger driven by a lever handle. The handle is spring-loaded to the open position, but is held in the closed position by a wire bail for storage. The pairs of split base supports have annular bearing surfaces of different diameters that support the back of different connectors over a full 360 degrees. The split base supports are pivotally attached to the body, are held closed by a spring and are easily opened by squeezing push surfaces located on the split base supports towards each other to pivot the split base supports to the open position.