Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.

Abstract: A system for movably supporting a separation member is provided. The system includes a keeper comprising a body and at least one leg that extends from the body and is configured to be slidably mounted within a track, the keeper is configured to receive and movably support an end of an elongate member configured to support a portion of a separation member, the keeper further comprises a finger that may be selectively disposed in an engagement position such that the finger extends below a lower surface of the body and a sliding position. An operator is operatively connected with the finger, and is manipulable to urge the finger to transition between the engagement and sliding positions.

Abstract: A bulkhead is provided. The bulkhead includes a panel with that extends between first and second primary and secondary edges that are perpendicular to each other. The first side supports a first plurality of brackets and a second plurality of brackets, the first plurality of brackets disposed on a first side of a secondary centerline of the panel that is parallel to the first and second secondary edges, the second plurality of brackets disposed on a second side of the secondary centerline that is opposite from the first side of the secondary centerline. Each of the first plurality of brackets and the second plurality of brackets includes an engaging portion that contacts the first side of the panel and a cantilevered portion that extends away from the first side of the panel and toward the secondary centerline.

Abstract: A device for use with a cargo compartment is provided. The device includes a fitting configured to engage a hole in a logistics track, the fitting comprising a ring that rotatably extends therefrom. An elongate strap is fixed to the ring, wherein the elongate strap extends to a free end portion, the elongate strap extends between a first end portion and a second end portion.

Abstract: A hook assembly made up of a hook subassembly with a hook having a first axis, a support subassembly, and an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism: a) releasably biasably maintains the hook and support subassemblies in a first operative relationship wherein the hook has a first angular orientation around the first axis; and b) permits the hook and support subassemblies to be changed from the first operative relationship to be releasably maintained in a second operative relationship, wherein the hook has a second angular orientation around the first axis.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator power drive unit for dynamic braking is provided, comprising an electric motor with a stator, a rotor that rotates with respect to the stator, and windings fixed to the stator. There is a control unit configured to supply a current to the windings. When the control unit is not supplying current to the windings, an electrical device allows current to flow through a parallel current path to the windings. The new current is generated by the interaction of a roller connected with a gear set to the rotor. The roller, and therefore the rotor, is urged in a rotational direction by the translational velocity of a load in contact with the roller. The new current generated by the rotating rotor flows in the opposite direction as the first current supplied by the power supply unit and creates a dynamic braking torque in the electric motor.

Abstract: A method of loading cargo into an aircraft is provided. The method includes the steps of sliding a cargo unit through a cargo door opening of an aircraft and into a cargo compartment of the aircraft perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The cargo is slid past and in contact with a first restraint, wherein the first restraint is fixed to a seat track disposed proximate to the cargo door opening, such that a side surface of the cargo unit contacts a portion of the first restraint. The cargo continues to slide into the cargo compartment, and does not contact a side surface of a second restraint that is fixed inboard of the first seat track, wherein a forward facing surface of each of the first and second restraints are disposed along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for movably supporting a separation member is provided. The system includes a keeper comprising a body and at least one leg that extends from the body and is configured to be slidably mounted within a track, the keeper is configured to receive and movably support an end of an elongate member configured to support a portion of a separation member, the keeper further comprises a finger that may be selectively disposed in an engagement position such that the finger extends below a lower surface of the body and a sliding position. An operator is operatively connected with the finger, and is manipulable to urge the finger to transition between the engagement and sliding positions.

Abstract: A system for supporting a removable bulkhead within a container. The system includes one or more arms that are removably fixed to opposed walls of the container. The arm includes a first arm, a second arm, a collar and an adjustment arm. Ends of the first and second arms are each disposed within the collar and the adjustment arm is engaged with the second arm. The collar includes opposed holders with bearing surfaces, with a shaft extending through the holder, and a spring disposed between the bearing surfaces. An end face of the first arm engages the bearing surface of the first holder, and an end face of the second arm engages the bearing surface of the second holder. Movement of the first arm linearly toward the second arm compresses the spring, which provides a resistance to compression and biases the first and second arms away from each other.

Abstract: A release fitting for an elongate strap is provided. The release fitting includes a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap. An arm is pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion. The body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position. A shaft assembly slidably is disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion. A bracket is pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole.

Abstract: A strap tensioning system is provided. The system includes a frame comprising a first side wall that retains a ledge. A core shaft retains a flexible shaft and is rotatable by a drive shaft as urged by a crank handle. The crank handle supports an arm that is pivotable with respect to the crank handle, between a stowed position where the arm is substantially parallel to the crank handle, and a locking position where the arm is substantially perpendicular to the crank handle. The crank handle and arm are configured such that the arm disposed within the ledge when the crank handle is in registry with the ledge and the arm is in the locked position, thereby preventing rotation of the crank handle with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A system for removably connecting to a fixed track provided. The system includes an elongate rigid member including a structural frame and an opening disposed within the frame, the opening extending along a portion of a width of the frame, the elongate rigid member further comprising a front surface that defines the opening therein, and a rear surface opposite from the front surface that is planar. An adapter is provided that mates with a rear surface of the rigid member, the adapter further comprising a tooth that defines a void between the tooth and the planar face. The adapter is configured to be received within a first aperture of the plurality of spaced apertures upon the fixed track, such that a portion of the fixed track that defines a lower boundary of the first aperture of the plurality of spaced apertures is received within the void in the adapter.

Abstract: A system for supporting a removable bulkhead within a container. The system includes one or more arms that are removably fixed to opposed walls of the container. The arm includes a first arm, a second arm, a collar and an adjustment arm. Ends of the first and second arms are each disposed within the collar and the adjustment arm is engaged with the second arm. The collar includes opposed holders with bearing surfaces, with a shaft extending through the holder, and a spring disposed between the bearing surfaces. An end face of the first arm engages the bearing surface of the first holder, and an end face of the second arm engages the bearing surface of the second holder. Movement of the first arm linearly toward the second arm compresses the spring, which provides a resistance to compression and biases the first and second arms away from each other.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding a storage space and including spaced and facing first and second wall surfaces and a floor surface; and b) a cargo support system. The cargo support system has first and second vertically extending tracks operatively mounted on each to the first and second wall surface and at least a first elongate beam having spaced first and second ends attached respectively to the first and second tracks in an operative position spaced above the floor surface. At least one of the tracks is maintained operatively mounted to the first wall surface through the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: A release fitting for an elongate strap is provided. The release fitting includes a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap. An arm is pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion. The body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position. A shaft assembly slidably is disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion. A bracket is pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole.

Abstract: A hook assembly made up of a hook subassembly with a hook having a first axis, a support subassembly, and an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism: a) releasably biasably maintains the hook and support subassemblies in a first operative relationship wherein the hook has a first angular orientation around the first axis; and b) permits the hook and support subassemblies to be changed from the first operative relationship to be releasably maintained in a second operative relationship, wherein the hook has a second angular orientation around the first axis.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding a storage space and including spaced and facing first and second wall surfaces and a floor surface; and b) a cargo support system. The cargo support system has first and second vertically extending tracks operatively mounted on each to the first and second wall surface and at least a first elongate beam having spaced first and second ends attached respectively to the first and second tracks in an operative position spaced above the floor surface. At least one of the tracks is maintained operatively mounted to the first wall surface through the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: The combination of a cargo carrying vehicle and a deck panel. The cargo carrying vehicle has a storage space and a plurality of parallel elongate load beams in the space. A lower surface of the deck panel engages each of the first and second elongate load beams. The body has a plurality of discrete components depending from the lower surface that are abuttable to the load beams to thereby limit shifting of the deck panel. The upper surface has at least a first opening and the lower surface has at least a first complementary projection. A second deck panel, the same as the first deck panel, can be stacked on the first deck panel so that a corresponding at least first projection on the second deck panel extends into the at least first opening to maintain the first and second deck panels in a predetermined stacked relationship.

Abstract: A toolless quick release device for attaching cargo handling system equipment to floor fittings is provided. The quick release device includes a stud, outer retainer, and inner retainer. The stud includes a locking head portion configured to be received in a slotted track. The neck portion of the stud and a center portion of the inner retainer are disposed within a center hole of the outer retainer. The hole of the outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball. The ball may engage one or more recesses in the inner retainer and rotatably fixes the outer portion with respect to the inner portion of the stud. The outer portion further includes an arcuate track that receives a tab from the inner retainer, with the arc length of the track defining the possible relative rotation of the inner retainer and stud with respect to the outer retainer.

Abstract: An elongate beam that supports an object in a storage space. The elongate beam has: i) a bottom wall with a downwardly facing surface; ii) a top wall having an upwardly facing surface and laterally spaced first and second side edges; and iii) laterally spaced first and second side walls with oppositely facing substantially flat surfaces. The top wall has lengthwise ends defined by edges and projects in cantilever fashion laterally beyond the flat surface on the first side wall to define a first flange with a first width between the flat surface of the first side wall and the first edge. The end edges do not extend orthogonally to a lengthwise center line for the top wall between the first and second side edges fully between the first and second side edges.