Abstract: A vertical lift system includes a cable with a pair of mounting loops positioned at opposite end portions of the cable, a lift bar, and a pair of cable blocks mounted to the lift bar at opposite end portions of the lift bar. The cable is mountable to the lift bar at the pair of cable blocks. A lift block is mounted to the lift bar between the pair of cable blocks. A spreader bar is mountable to the cable. The spreader bar includes an elongated shaft and a pair of cable couplings mounted to elongated shaft at opposite end positions of the elongated shaft. The cable is extendable through the pair of cable blocks on the lift bar and the pair of cable couplings of the spreader bar such that spreader bar is positioned between the lift block and the pair of mounting loops of the cable.

Abstract: A spreader bar includes an elongated shaft. A pair of friction locking cable couplings is mounted to elongated shaft. Each friction locking cable coupling includes a block with a curved engagement surface and a pair of pivots mounted to the block. The curved engagement surface of the block is shaped such that a cable is bent between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block and static friction between the cable and the curved engagement surface of the block holds the cable against the block when the cable is received between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block.

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: A sling load computer-operated hook assembly for helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use is provided. The hook assembly allows automated pick-up and delivery. The computer hook assembly also (1) directs navigation of the aircraft, (2) finds and engages loads for pickup, (3) controls stability of the sling load enroute, and (4) releases the load at the delivery point. The self-contained feature allows the hook assembly to be moved from aircraft to aircraft. The hook assembly senses weight, motion and position of the load for stability control. An integral GPS unit is used to direct navigation. These data are transmitted to the aircraft autopilot and flight director instruments to provide navigation to the designated points and to control load stability enroute. Mission data for pick-up and release points can be received remotely from a command and control tactical data net. Alternately, mission data can be locally entered.

Abstract: A sling load computer-operated hook assembly for helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use is provided. The hook assembly allows automated pick-up and delivery. The computer hook assembly also (1) directs navigation of the aircraft, (2) finds and engages loads for pickup, (3) controls stability of the sling load enroute, and (4) releases the load at the delivery point. The self-contained feature allows the hook assembly to be moved from aircraft to aircraft. The hook assembly senses weight, motion and position of the load for stability control. An integral GPS unit is used to direct navigation. These data are transmitted to the aircraft autopilot and flight director instruments to provide navigation to the designated points and to control load stability enroute. Mission data for pick-up and release points can be received remotely from a command and control tactical data net. Alternately, mission data can be locally entered.