Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes: a chassis; a crop material handler carried by the chassis and configured to handle crop material; a communication interface carried by the chassis; and a controller operatively coupled to the communication interface and configured to: define a field map corresponding to a field; receive a bale drop zone input signal; define a bale drop zone within the field map based on the received bale drop zone input signal, the bale drop zone defining a location and a bale drop area within the field map; determine if the bale drop zone is sufficiently sized for a number of bales formed from crop material on the field to be placed in the bale drop zone; and output a drop zone insufficient signal if the bale drop zone is not sufficiently sized for the number of bales to be placed in the bale drop zone.

Abstract: Delivery systems for aerial vehicles include a plurality of securement straps configured to secure a package during flight of an aerial vehicle, at least one retaining strap, and a release mechanism. A proximal end region of each securement strap and a first end region of the at least one retaining strap are coupled to the aerial vehicle. A distal end region of each securement strap is coupled to the release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the release mechanism releases the distal end region of at least one securement strap of the plurality of securement straps, thereby delivering the package. The release mechanism remains coupled to a second end region of the at least one retaining strap when the release mechanism is actuated such that the securement straps, release mechanism, and retaining strap all may be pulled up and away from the package after delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is a lifting assembly to be used with a lift mechanism installed in a vehicle. The lifting assembly includes a supporting structure in the shape of a cross, with a connecting arrangement attached thereto. The connecting arrangement include apertures to which two or more cables may be engaged. The cables may further be engaged at their other ends with a shackle which is adapted to be fixedly attached to the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism, when operated, causes the supporting structure to be suspended in the shape of a sling arrangement, which can be utilized to support various types of items, including a wheelchair. The wheelchair supported in the supporting structure can be hoisted by operating the lift mechanism for storage and other purposes, as desired.

Abstract: A method for securing a lifting movement of a load mechanically coupled to a hook of a lifting device by flexible links, wherein the flexible links can be, when the load is placed on the ground, either in a stretched state or in a relaxed state. The method includes detecting an initiation of a transitional phase between an initial instant when the load is placed on the ground and a final instant when the load is suspended in the air; and emitting a detection signal of a proscribed lifting situation, if the flexible links are, at least at an instant of the transitional phase, in the relaxed state.

Abstract: A hoist or hoisting device is configure to place a pallet on a roof without the need of a person on the roof. The hoist includes a deflector that moves between a first position and a second position and releases a strap from an open hook as the deflector moves from the first position. A release arm on the deflector contacts a portion of the strap to push the strap off the open hook after the pallet has contacted the roof. The hoist may then be raised and the strap be unthreaded and pulled upward through the pallet to leave the pallet installed on the roof.

Abstract: An add-on sling-load system capable of being attached to a host that comprises a load provided with at least two slices arrange in a predetermined configuration and preferably a stack and a controlled coupling mechanism configured to attach and release at least one slice from the arranged configuration. The sling load system is used for multiple devices.

Abstract: A multi-purpose helicopter pendant hook assembly is provided. The pendant hook assembly allows cargo load attachment by a ground crewman from positions either on the load itself or standing on the ground next to the load. In both cases, a stand-off from the helicopter improves safety for the ground crewmen. The hook assembly combines the capability to pick up cargo and personnel, or both, simultaneously. This multi-purpose feature reduces the need for more than one helicopter during recovery operations. The pendant has multiple D-rings for attachment of personnel and has a communications link for ground crew to pilot communications. The hook assembly also has a flange and hook configuration which allows release of the cargo load while retaining the cargo net.

Abstract: An add-on sling-load system (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) capable of being attached to a host that comprises a load (120, 230) provided with at least two slices arranged in a predetermined configuration and preferably a stack and a controlled coupling mechanism (130, 620) configured to attach and release at least one slice from the arranged configuration. The sling load system is used for multiple deliveries.

Abstract: A lift system and a method for constructing a wind turbine are disclosed. The lift system includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The lift system further includes a lift device including a sling and a quick release device. The sling is coupled to the rotor blade and includes a first end and a second end spaced apart by an intermediate portion. The second end is releasably joined to the first end by the quick release device. The quick release device is operable to release the second end from the first end to uncouple the sling from the rotor blade.

Abstract: The cargo spreader bar (100) is a rectangular frame with longitudinal sides (120) that are longer than the lateral sides (118e). Hooks (102) are attached to the frame along the longitudinal sides (120). The hooks (102) hold cargo hoisting chains (CH) and include actuator (206) controlled, pivoting safety locks (208) that close to secure the chains (CH) to the hooks (102). A tubular chain lifter (104) pivotally mounted to the frame extends along one of the longitudinal frame members (120). A second chain lifter (104) extends along the remaining longitudinal frame member (120). Inside sections of the tubular chain lifters (104) are pivotally coupled to a chain lifter actuator (400). When safety locks (208) are disengaged, an actuator arm (401) can be commanded to pivot the outside sections of the lifters (104) to swing upward to release the chains (CH) from the hooks (102).

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with an explosives disposal robot having an elongated boom includes a latch member secured to an outer end of the boom, the latch member having a fixed portion and movable latch or lever members. A flexible strap extends between the lever members, with one end being attached to one of the lever members and the other end being releasably attached to the other lever member. When the other lever member is moved to a release position the other end of the strap falls from the other lever member so as to release, for example, a firing line cradled in the strap. The one lever member can be actuated by way of a remote controlled solenoid connected thereto via a flexible cable or by way of an elastic member connected thereto.

Abstract: A base has at its upper end a crane engagement portion with which a hook of a crane is engaged. Pivotally engaged with a first shaft affixed to the base below the crane engagement portion, is a substantial center of a lever holder. Swingably mounted on a second shaft affixed to the base below the first shaft is a proximal end of a link lever, and this link lever has a distal end releasably engaged with a distal end of the lever holder. One end of a sling including the other end to be hung on the hook of the crane so as to be engageable with a heavy load, is releasably hung on the link lever. Further, a release lowers a proximal end of the lever holder to thereby release the distal end of the link lever from the distal end of the lever holder.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for latching and unlatching a load from a sling comprises a housing attachable to a load lift line extending from a crane or other similar equipment. Contained at least partially within the housing is a load engaging assembly including a latch, such as a conventional sling hook used to attach a load containing sling. The load engaging assembly further includes a latch attachment assembly and an unlatching trigger assembly. The apparatus further includes a load activated lock operatively attached to the latch attaching assembly to latch and unlatch the load engaging assembly. The load activated lock includes a support structure affixed to the housing, a latch activating member slidably mounted on the support structure and a movable locking structure positioned within the housing and operatively adjacent the latch activating member to engage and prevent latch activating member from sliding movement when a load is applied to the latch.

Abstract: A load suspension device (1), which is attachable to a hoisting cable, has a holding recess (30), which is closable by a shackle (11) on a carrier (2), for accommodating a sling means. The shackle (11) is lockable by a lock (22), which is actuated in the locking direction by a spring-loaded piston (4) guided in a hydraulic cylinder when the load is lifted. In this case, both cylindrical chambers are connected by gap between cylinder and piston (4), released by a lip seal (6) of the piston (4) which only acts in one direction. For returning the piston (4) to release the shackle (11) by the lock (22) to deposit the load, the cylindrical chambers are connected via a line (12, 13), whose flow is controllable. Advantageous embodiments of the flow control of the line (12, 13) via a remote control device and of the load suspender (1) are indicated.

Abstract: A load securing and release system, comprising a load carrying elongated web element having two end sections, one end section defining a first receiving structure, the other end section engaged through the first receiving structure and releasably connected on itself by a series of terminal receiving structures, and a series of intermediate engaging structures, wherein one engaging structure is engaged through each terminal receiving structure, and wherein all but one of the engaging structures is also releasably engaged with another engaging structure, and wherein the remaining engaging structure is releasably held to the web element by a release element, to provide a mechanical advantage for carrying heavy loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing an attached load, with the load being attached with a sling is described. Generally, the apparatus comprises a plate having an underside face, and a latch member, operatively associated with the underside face, for latching and unlatching the sling from the load. The apparatus may contain an activating line attached with the latch member, and activating member, operatively associated with the activating line, for activating the latch member. In the preferred embodiment, the latch member comprises a first member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein, a second member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein, and a third member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein. A load pin is placed within the openings. A fulcrum point is provided so that the load pin may be pivoted for latching and unlatching. A gravity centering system is also included that allows for a single point release system.

Abstract: A cable disconnector assembly is described for use with a lifting hook of a lifting assembly for disconnecting the lifting cable from the lifted material. The disconnector assembly includes a vertical suspended member having an upper end eyelet portion engageable with the lifting hook of the lifting assembly, a lower end portion having a slotted opening therein, and a recessed shoulder portion. A jaw member is hingedly mounted to the lower end portion through the slotted opening and operable between an open disengaging position and a closed engaging position wherein the jaw member rests in the recessed shoulder portion. The lower end portion of the vertical suspended member includes extension members which engage the surface of the lifted material to move the jaw member from a closed position to an open position to permit disconnection of the lifting cable from the lifted material. A locking mechanism is provided to prevent movement of the jaw member from the closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A cargo hook for releasably carrying a load includes a support frame, a load support carried by the frame, and a latch. The load support has a closed condition for securing the load and an open condition for permitting release of the load. The latch is for releasably latching the load support in the closed condition and includes a toggle linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the load support, a second end pivotally connected to the frame, and an articulation joint between the ends. Further, the latch includes a mechanism for toggling the toggle linkage between first and second toggle positions, and a catch moveable between a latched position for holding the toggle linkage in the first toggle position and an unlatched position for permitting the toggle linkage to toggle between the first and second toggle positions.

Abstract: A self releasing connector for a log choker has double ended jaws that are pivotally movable between an open and a closed position. A biasing spring urges the jaws to normally open position. With jaws open an end of choker cable is insertable and the jaws are closed to retain the end of the choker. A holder is slidably movable to retain the jaws in the closed position. The choker cable is extended through eyelets on the opposite ends of the jaws. Tension applied to the choker cable will force further closing of the jaws and the holder is released. Upon release of the tension on the choker cable the spring urges the jaws open to release the end of the choker cable. An auxiliary lock may be provided to maintain the holder in position to maintain the jaws in the locked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing an attached load, with the load being attached with a sling is described. Generally, the apparatus comprises a plate having an underside face, and a latch member, operatively associated with the underside face, for latching and unlatching the sling from the load. The apparatus may contain an activating line attached with the latch member, and activating member, operatively associated with the activating line, for activating the latch member. The apparatus may further comprise a spreader bar that is selectively attached to the plate. In the preferred embodiment, the latch member comprises a first member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein, a second member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein, and a third member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein. A load pin is placed within the openings. A fulcrum point is provided so that the load pin may be pivoted for latching and unlatching.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing an attached load, with the load being attached with a sling is described. Generally, the apparatus comprises a plate having an underside face, and a latch member, operatively associated with the underside face, for latching and unlatching the sling from the load. The apparatus may contain an activating line attached with the latch member, and activating member, operatively associated with the activating line, for activating the latch member. The apparatus may further comprise a spreader bar that is selectively attached to the plate. In the preferred embodiment, the latch member comprises a first member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein, a second member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein, and a third member mounted on the plate, with the member having an opening therein.

Abstract: A choker hook has a main body and a latch member rotatable relative to the main body. The latch member is biased by a spring thereby to form a pocket to hold the ferrule of a choker cable used in logging operations. The latch member has a toe piece which contacts the surface of a log when the choker hook is rotated by the choker cable relative to the log. The force between the toe piece and its attached latch member will tend to rotate the latch member relative to the main body when the effect of the force on the choker hook is such that the toe piece is brought into contact with the outside of the log. The ferrule pocket will open and the ferrule and attached cable will be released thereby releasing the log being transported without manual intervention at the point of log release.

Abstract: A lifting adapter for use in lifting and releasing large bulk bags. The adapter has a frame formed in an X-shaped configuration in the preferred embodiment. The X-shaped frame is formed from tubular arms that extend downwardly and outwardly at an angle ranging from 10 to 30 degrees. Each arm holds a bag loop retaining toggle lock in the preferred embodiment which is pneumatically operated to serve to release the bag loops from the arms at a predetermined time so that the bag loops of the filled bag will slide off of the retaining toggle lock by gravity to thereby release the filled bag from the lifting adapter.

Abstract: An adjustable sling apparatus is provided which allows one strap to be adjusted to a particular length so that loads of various sizes can be used in conjunction with the sling. A simple and efficient design fixes the length of the strap at the adjusted position. This is accomplished by either rotating a pin over a stationary pin or wrapping the strap in a predetermined fashion around two fixedly mounted, stationary rods.

Abstract: After a heavy load hoisted up by a hoisting member is downed on the predetermined place, the hoisting member can be automatically dismounted from the heavy load by using the dismounting device. The hoisting member consists of a upper hoisting member and a lower hoisting member. The upper hoisting member is arranged between a base of the dismounting device and a hook of a crane. The lower hoisting member has a foundation and secured to the base, a mid portion engaged with a hoisting member engagement portion of the heavy load, and a front end fitted or inserted onto a mast erected on the base. In operation, a slider up-and-down slidably mounted on the mast is pushed up by a resilient body, in its no load condition, to a level where its top end reaches at least a top end of the mast. The slider is adapted to conquer resilient force of the resilient body while the slider hoists the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock capable of being automatically bolted and released, and useful as a knot running along a loop made by a sling wound around a load to be dragged. The lock is made up of a keeper and of a bolt capable of fitting into it, the bolt having a radial lock face. A claw is mounted on the keeper. The claw is capable to move between a retracted position to allow insertion of the bolt in the keeper and an active position where it locks with the lock face, after the bolt has been inserted the keeper. In the active position, a spring device presses on the claw to draw the bolt fully in the keeper. The keeper is also provided with at least one pawl which is made to move between a retracted position, free of the bolt, and an active position where it stands in locking engagement upstream of the lock face. A damper device acts on each pawl for retarding radial movement thereof.

Abstract: A cargo hook for releasably carrying a load includes a support frame, a load beam and latching mechanism for releasably engaging the beam in a load secured position. The latching mechanism includes a contact roller carried by the beam and an interference shaft rotatably mounted to the frame. In the load secured position, the roller abuts the interference shaft. Load release occurs when the interference shaft is rotated to a position which permits the load beam to pivot downwardly past the shaft.

Abstract: A traction device, in particular devised as a lifting device, comprises a first engagement member (2) for engagement to a first coupling member, an intermediate portion (5) and a second end portion (6) adapted to form an attachment loop by the free end (7) of the end portion being, via a spring loaded locking member (12), releasably locked in a locking mechanism at the end of the intermediate portion adjacent the second end portion. The locking member is, through a connection arrangement (21), connected, in a tensile force transmitting manner, to a second engagement member (22), which is adapted for engagement to a second coupling member and which upon being subjected to a tensile force transmits this tensile force via the connection arrangement to the locking member and thereby releases the free end of the end portion.

Abstract: A cargo bag made from a generally flat piece of canvas or the like has a plurality of attachment loops along its peripheral edge. The bag is attached to the operating cable of a crane by a coupling device that releasably engages some of the cargo bag loops. One of the loops is unreleasably carried by a fixed hook. The remainder of the loops are retained by the fingers of a shiftable fork assembly. The fork assembly is pivotably between a bag retaining position and a bag release position. A remotely actuated, hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly provides for selective shifting of the fork assembly between the cargo bag retaining and release positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to shorten and/or fasten flat belts or straps for wrapping and hoisting a load. The apparatus includes a vertical base plate having a crane lug located in its upper portion. Also, at least three deflectors with free ends are mounted in spaced apart relation on the plate so as to project generally perpendicularly therefrom. The free ends of the straps or belts are inserted into the apparatus and pulled between and looped about the deflectors in a meandering fashion to affix the belts to the apparatus before hoisting the load.

Abstract: In logging and other handling operations a cable is looped about an elongated object and cinched tight through a choker hook assembly in order to transport the objects. A remotely controlled hook assembly has a body and a releasable latch arm through which the cable passes and which grasps the end of the cable. A recessed knob socket is located on the outside of the hook body for acceptance of the knob mounted at the cable end. Within the body a slidable pin functions to hold and then release the latch arm upon remote command. The slidable pin can be reset by using the pivotal latch arm in combination with the cable and knob as leverage.

Abstract: A self-releasing coupling includes a casing body (14) to which is attached a cap portion (16) and in which a grasping mechanism (50) is movably positioned. The grasping mechanism includes grapple arms (80) rockably mounted on a piston (52) and held thereon by a snap ring (112). Springs (120, 124) bias the piston forward and aft of the casing body and a cap shoulder (28) and keys (42) move the snap ring forward and aft of grapple arm fulcrums (86) to bias the grapple arms into an element grasping or into an element releasing/receiving configuration. Each grapple arm includes a ramp (142) which engages a chamfer (150) on a casing seating shoulder (40) to increase the grasping force on an element as the pull or tension on that element increases.

Abstract: A device for hanging a load, particularly to an aircraft or landcraft transport, of the type comprising an eyelet of connection to the transport having an enlarged base with a central hole, a pin rotatably supported in the hole and extending downward into a first hook part and, a second hook part pivoted on the first about a pin with horizontal axis positioned in the lower end of the first hook part. A releasable lock retains the second hook part in an active position to form with the first part an essentially closed hook. A bracket supports a load lifting sling, and an electrical connection transmits electric signals from the hook to the bracket.

Abstract: In logging and other handling operations, a cable is often looped about the elongated object and cinched tight through a choker hook assembly in order to transport the objects. A remotely controlled hook assembly has a body, including an eye for the passage of the cable and a releasable latch arm for grasping the end of the cable. Encased within the body is a slidable pin that serves to lock the latch arm and therefore the end of the cable. A positioning device is also within the housing and serves to rotate a catch member allowing the slidable pin to move downwardly, thereby releasing the latch arm and cable. A pair of appropriately sized and located springs serve to both move the sliding pin downwardly and to bias the pin upwardly. A radio controlled servo may be used as the positioning device.

Abstract: A self-releasing choker has ferrule holding jaws in a casing movable between a ferrule accepting station, a load carrying station, and a ferrule releasing station located intermediate the other two stations. Locking means holds the jaws closed while in the load carrying station and releasing means permits the jaws to open only while they are moving past the ferrule releasing station in the direction of the ferrule accepting station. Dampening means provides a time delay to keep the jaws from moving all of the way to the ferrule releasing station when the load is only momentarily taken off the ferrule.

Abstract: A grouping of elongated objects such as logs are supported in a pair of elongated wire slings that are releasably attached to an overhead frame. When loading logs onto ships, the overhead frame is attached to the ship's gear for use. For loading, the frame is lowered and a load of logs is surrounded at spaced apart locations with the wire slings. At each end of a wire sling is an eye which is secured within a releasable hook mounted in pairs on the frame. A sliding snap hook fixed to one eye of each sling is hooked to the opposite eye so as to form a continuous sling about the logs. The load is then lifted into the ship and placed after which the releasable hooks release the continuous wire slings allowing the load of logs to conform to the volume where it is placed. The slings remain in place about the logs during the voyage.

Abstract: An automatic sling release serving for the automatic disengagement of a sg, such as a chain, a rope, or a strap from a hoisting hook at the moment of relieving the sling of the weight of the load. The device has a load sustaining body with a first, sling engaging hook thereon. A releasing arm is pivotally mounted on the body, the releasing arm having a portion thereof in the form of a second hook positioned close to the first hook and partially overlapping it. The second hook has two working faces, i.e., an upper sling end engaging face and a front thrusting face, in the basic unloaded position of the releasing arm the front thrusting face projecting beyond the outer edge of the first hook on the load sustaining body.

Abstract: A self releasing sling hoist is disclosed that includes a body for connecting to a hoist line for lifting a load. A sling such as a flexible line or cable has one end attached to one side of the body. The other end is provided with a loop or opening for attaching to a hook connected to the other side of the body after the sling has been passed under or otherwise arranged to support a load. A releasing arm is connected to the body to pivot toward the hook under the influence of the load as the weight of the load is transferred from the sling and the body is lowered toward the load. Continued downward movement of the body relative to the load will cause the release arm to pivot past the hook and force the end of the sling off the hook thereby automatically releasing the sling from the load.

Abstract: A remote-controlled safety hook assembly which comprises a supporting frame, a hook-shaped member rotatably disposed within the supporting frame, spring-biased shackles suspended from the supporting frame, a drive element disposed in the supporting frame and a gear assembly operatively connected with the drive element and the hook-shaped member for automatically swinging the hook-shaped member from a closed position to an open position in response to a specified control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for the release of submerged floats, characterized in that the float is connected to the structure it is intended to support by at least one opening collar which can be kept closed by a locking mechanism capable of being remotely controlled.

Abstract: A pipe lay down machine which incorporates a main cable adapted to be rigged from the rig floor to a winch overlying a pipe rack where the winch is bidirectionally operable to slack the main line. Wheeled carriages travel up and down the main line. The carriages support releasable pipe connective mechanisms which have a flexible cable extending around the pipe connected to a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism includes a transverse bar having protruding ears or tabs which interlock with a rolled lip, thereby anchoring the lever and the end of the cable. Pipe is picked up or laid down by placing slack in the main cable. The carriages traverse the main cable by means of separate winches which apply power to auxiliary lines rigged from winches which are bidirectionally operable to the carriages.Alternative quick release mechanisms are disclosed. In one form, a cable is looped about the pipe and beneath a spring load pin. The pin is pushed to close and cable tension holds it closed.

Abstract: A sling for holding an object includes a support member with a rotatable member carried by and rotatable relative to the support member. The rotatable member has first and second ends which extend laterally from the support member with a flexible support for looping about the object to be held having one end secured to the first end of the rotatable member and a second end for releasably engaging with the second end of the rotatable member. The second end of the rotatable member is configured to retain the second end of the flexible support engaged therewith when the rotatable member is in one position while the flexible support holds the object and to release the second end of the flexible support when the rotatable member is rotated to a second position.

Abstract: A remote-controlled safety hook assembly which comprises a supporting frame, a hook-shaped member rotatably disposed within the supporting frame, spring-biased shackles suspended from the supporting frame, a drive element disposed in the supporting frame and a gear assembly operatively connected with the drive element and the hook-shaped member for automatically swinging the hook-shaped member from a closed position to an open position in response to a specified control signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a device by means of which the end of a chain may be suspended to a suspending means and then released automatically from said suspending means after the load has reached the relevant resting floor.