Abstract: An automatically retractable restraint assembly for vertically restraining a body by engagement with its side. The centerline restraint (10) includes a pair of normally upright positioned inside heads (20), each head having an outwardly extending toggle (76) for engaging the side of a cargo body (14). The inside heads are automatically retractable into the frame (24) upon engagement by the cargo body after the preceding engagement of either of a pair of release wings (30). The inside heads are also spring loaded outwardly along the longitudinal centerline of the centerline restraint to maintain contact between the toggle and the cargo body should it attempt to move out of engagement. A pair of normally upright positioned and automatically retractable outside heads (22) are included to engage a cargo body of lesser widthwise dimension.

Abstract: An elevator system for use in a wide-body commercial aircraft having multiple levels within the aircraft provides an elevator shaft that extends through at least two of the levels of the aircraft. The elevator shaft communicates with an opening in the hull of the aircraft. An elevator car is mounted within the shaft and controls and a drive unit are associated with the car to move it within the shaft and also out through the opening in the hull to provide access to and from the aircraft. At least a portion of the car remains in the shaft at all times to provide some lateral stability to the car.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft cargo loader that is folded for stowage against the interior surface of an aircraft cargo door and is extended between the sill of the cargo door and the surface of the ground for loading and unloading baggage and other relatively small cargo items. The cargo loader includes an endless conveyor belt, with the cargo loader and the conveyor belt being configured so that the conveyor belt remains under relatively constant tension when cargo loaded is extended and when the cargo loader is folded for stowage. An L-shaped deployment track is attached to the upper end of the cargo loader and fastened between the cargo loader deck and ceiling when the cargo loader is deployed.