Abstract: A load handling systems for manipulating a load onto and off of a vehicle, which moves the load about three axes of rotation during the loading and unloading process and which does not reversibly engage the vehicle. An embodiment is a load handling system that includes three support arms pivotally attached and serially disposed, the support arms being controllably rotated relative to one another by lift mechanisms in a manner that moves a connector for connecting the load handling system to the load about three axes of rotation as it moves from a transit position to a load-disengaging position.

Abstract: A pallet designed to be loadable onto both an aircraft and a truck (in particular a PLS truck or other truck utilizing a hook system such as those used to load traditional CROPs or flatracks) and interface with restraint systems on both the aircraft and the truck without the pallet having to be unpacked and repacked in the transition. This will generally be a pallet for use with both United States C-130 and C-17 aircraft and United States HEMTT-LHS or PLS trucks, but can be adapted for use with aircraft and/or transportation vehicles of different types and/or used by different militaries or civilian organizations throughout the world.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic circuit for a two-post lift having a master cylinder hydraulically connected to a slave cylinder. The master cylinder and slave cylinder are sized so fluid volume displaced at the rod end of the master cylinder is equal to the volume displaced at the piston side of the slave cylinder. The hydraulic circuit employs an automatic leveling valve assembly disposed to open when the lift reaches a fully lowered position to automatically equalize the displaced fluid volume of the master and slave cylinders so as to relevel the lift each time the lift is fully lowered. A sequence valve is positioned to pre-pressurize the slave cylinder before raising to compensate for any air in the circuit and fluid compressibility. A pilot operated check valve is designed to close and stop the descent of the lift in a level position if an obstruction is encountered under a side of the lift.