Abstract: The problem of readily picking up a load using an aircraft without requiring ground personnel is solved by a coupling device (15) and a method of coupling a load using same. The coupling device includes a pivot member (17) pivotally mounted on the load having a disposition and configuration that is readily engaged by a hoist line (42) with an end or weight member (43) from above and guided into a retainer portion (22) so that as the hoist line is raised a connection is formed between the hoist line and the load. The pivot member serves as a load-bearing member during suspension. Upon deployment and relief of the weight of the load from the hoist line, the pivot member automatically returns to the starting position and the hoist line and end member are slid therefrom.

Abstract: A line stringing apparatus particularly suitable for stringing the center line of a tower entirely from an aircraft while suspending a threading member (11) to which a threading line (16) is attached. An elongated threading member (11) carries a hook-shaped leading line coupling part (12) that is oriented so that the shank portion (21) is lengthwise of, the bend portion (22) is transverse to, and a free end portion (23) extends back toward the trailing end of the threading member. A hook-shaped trailing line coupling part (13) is opposite to, spaced from, and faces the hook of the leading line coupling part. The trailing shank portion (41) is arranged substantially lengthwise of, the trailing bend portion (42) is substantially transverse to, and the trailing free end portion (43) extends back toward the leading end of the threading member.

Abstract: The problem of stringing power transmission lines via a line-holding structure that has an upper cross support and no side access, such as the center strand under a cross support on a tower, is solved by the methods and apparatus disclosed. The stringing apparatus is carried in a depending manner from the aircraft by a hoist line and enables the insertion of a sock line through the line-holding structure, followed by the pulling of the line therethrough. Different forms of the stringing apparatus enable an insertion with a needle-type structure, a pull-push structure, a pivoting gate structure, and a rotary annular carrier or ring segment structure. After the sock line has been strung, one end is secured to a power line which is then threaded through the line-holding structure to complete the stringing of a center strand of power line.

Abstract: The problem of readily picking up a load using an aircraft without requiring ground personnel is solved by a coupling device (15) and a method of coupling a load using same. The coupling device includes a pivot member (17) pivotally mounted on the load having a disposition and configuration that is readily engaged by a hoist line (42) with an end or weight member (43) from above and guided into a retainer portion (22) so that as the hoist line is raised a connection is formed between the hoist line and the load. The pivot member serves as a load-bearing member during suspension. Upon deployment and relief of the weight of the load from the hoist line, the pivot member automatically returns to the starting position and the hoist line and end member are slid therefrom.

Abstract: The problem of stringing power transmission lines via a line-holding structure that has an upper cross support and no side access, such as the center strand under a cross support on a tower, is solved by the methods and apparatus disclosed. The stringing apparatus is carried in a depending manner from the aircraft by a hoist line and enables the insertion of a sock line through the line-holding structure, followed by the pulling of the line therethrough. Different forms of the stringing apparatus enable an insertion with a needle-type structure, a pull-push structure, a pivoting gate structure, and a rotary annular carrier or ring segment structure. After the sock line has been strung, one end is secured to a power line which is then threaded through the line-holding structure to complete the stringing of a center strand of power line.