Abstract: Roller drive units are used for conveying objects, in particular cargo containers, on a roller conveyor track of an aircraft. They comprise a drive motor, a planetary gear with an input connected to the drive motor and with a first as well as a second gear output. A drive roller is connected to the first gear output to propel the object and a lifting apparatus is connected to the second gear output to lift the drive roller out of a retracted resting position, in which the drive roller does not contact the object, into a raised operating position in which the drive roller can engaged with the object. A first brake is provided to slow down the drive roller and a second brake is provided to keep the lifting apparatus in position. To improve the traction characteristics and in particular to improve the force with which the drive roller can press against the object to be conveyed, the first and second brakes are constructed so as to be controllable.

Abstract: A cargo latch is provided for use in restraining objects such as containers, pallets and the like, against movement with respect to a floor of a cargo hold, in particular the cargo hold of an aircraft. The latch comprises a frame with a shaft disposed therein and a base, a lower end of which is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The base can therefore pivot with respect to the frame. At least one restraining hook is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the base.

Abstract: An installation apparatus for a powered roller drive unit (11) to propel and convey objects, is provided wherein the roller drive unit is fixed to the floor (13) of an installation channel (12) of the apparatus. The installation apparatus includes a trough (14) attached to the floor (13), preferably in the region of and beneath the roller drive unit (11) for draining water.

Abstract: A roller drive unit to propel objects, in particular cargo containers, on a conveyor track is proposed, which comprises an electric motor (20) to rotate a drive roller (30). The drive roller (30) extends substantially across the entire width of a frame (10) of the roller drive unit and is subdivided in the middle to form two drive-roller components (31, 32). The two drive-roller components (31, 32) are rotatably mounted on the frame (10) in a bearing (33) in the middle of the drive roller. The roller drive unit comprises a lifting mechanism (41, 42) comprising paired components disposed symmetrically about the middle of the drive roller (30) and about the bearing (33). As a result of this symmetrical arrangement of the drive roller (30) and the lifting mechanism (41, 42), a good load distribution and a stable retention of the drive roller (30) in its raised position are achieved.

Abstract: A roller drive unit to propel objects along a conveyor track is disclosed. The roller drive unit comprises a drive roller (30), which can be raised by a lifting mechanism (40) from a lower, resting position into an upper, operating position. The drive roller (30) is powered by an electric motor (20) and a main gear arrangement (50, 55, 60, 34). A first controllable braking mechanism (70) is provided, with which the lifting mechanism (40) can be locked and as a result the drive roller (30) can be kept in an upper, operating position. In addition a second controllable braking mechanism (80) is provided, which acts on the drive shaft of the electric motor (20) and which can prevent rotation of the drive roller (30) even when the electric motor (20) is turned off. When the second braking mechanism (80) is released while the electric motor is turned off (20), an object to be propelled can be shifted over the raised drive roller (30) in a simple manner.

Abstract: So-called butterfly latches are known, by way of which containers, pallets or similar items of freight can be secured within the cargo area of an aircraft. These comprise a frame that can be attached to holding rails on the floor of the cargo area. In the present latch, in the frame is disposed a double latch hook comprising two arms that are hinged to one another at first ends and at these first ends are provided with hook elements so constructed as to engage and retain items of cargo. At second ends the arms are mounted in the frame so that they can move in a plane of rotation in such a way that when they are struck by an item of cargo travelling in a first horizontal direction parallel to the plane of rotation, the first ends of the arms are deflected downward from an upper operating position toward the frame.