Abstract: An energy harvesting roller for a cargo handling system may comprise a shaft and a sleeve located on the shaft. A piezoelectric member may be coupled to the sleeve. A shell may be located radially outward of the piezoelectric member and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. A radially inward surface of the shell may define at least one of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: An energy harvesting roller for a cargo handling system may comprise a shaft and a sleeve located on the shaft. A piezoelectric member may be coupled to the sleeve. A shell may be located radially outward of the piezoelectric member and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. A radially inward surface of the shell may define at least one of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A sensor in an aircraft cargo handling system may comprise a housing, an infrared light emitter, an infrared light photoreceptor, and a microprism. The sensor may be configured to detect an object in proximity to the sensor using electromagnetic waves and voltage measurements. The sensor may include a microcontroller configured to read the voltage measurements associated with infrared electromagnetic waves, compare the voltage measurements to a threshold voltage, and determine the functional condition of the sensor based on the comparison.

Abstract: An infra-red sensor assembly may comprise a substrate and an infra-red transmitter electrically coupled to the substrate. An infra-red receiver may be electrically coupled to the substrate. A testing infra-red transmitter may be electrically coupled to the substrate. An infra-red transmission channel may optically couple the testing infra-red transmitter and the infra-red receiver.

Abstract: An intelligent restraint system architecture for aircraft cargo is provided. The intelligent restraint system architecture includes restraints arrayed along a cargo deck and local restraint control panels (RCPs). Each restraint is configured to normally assume a retracted condition at which cargo movement proximate to the restraint is permitted and to selectively assume an erected condition at which cargo movement proximate to the restraint is inhibited by the restraint. The local RCPs are respectively coupled to proximal restraints. Each local RCP is receptive of a signal indicative of a cargo movement status and is configured to automatically control each of the proximal restraints to selectively assume the erected condition or to re-assume the retracted condition in accordance with the signal being received and content thereof.

Abstract: An energy harvesting roller for a cargo handling system may comprise a shaft and a sleeve located on the shaft. A piezoelectric member may be coupled to the sleeve. A shell may be located radially outward of the piezoelectric member and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. A radially inward surface of the shell may define at least one of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: An intelligent restraint system architecture for aircraft cargo is provided. The intelligent restraint system architecture includes restraints arrayed along a cargo deck and local restraint control panels (RCPs). Each restraint is configured to normally assume a retracted condition at which cargo movement proximate to the restraint is permitted and to selectively assume an erected condition at which cargo movement proximate to the restraint is inhibited by the restraint. The local RCPs are respectively coupled to proximal restraints. Each local RCP is receptive of a signal indicative of a cargo movement status and is configured to automatically control each of the proximal restraints to selectively assume the erected condition or to re-assume the retracted condition in accordance with the signal being received and content thereof.

Abstract: A prognostic power drive unit of a cargo handling system includes a motor operable to drive a conveyor system of the cargo handling system. One or more drive system sensors are operable to collect data related to the motor. One or more environmental sensors are operable to collect data related to one or more environmental conditions of the prognostic power drive unit. One or more load detection sensors are operable to detect data related to the conveyor system. The prognostic power drive unit also includes a controller operable to control the motor and determine a health status of the cargo handling system based on at least one of: the one or more drive system sensors, the one or more environmental sensors, and the one or more load detection sensors.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo system includes a ball panel assembly having a ball panel and a first enclosure assembly. The ball panel defines a first cutout. The first enclosure assembly is at least partially disposed within the first cutout and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure defining a first opening that receives a first ball transfer unit.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo system includes a ball panel assembly having a ball panel and a first enclosure assembly. The ball panel defines a first cutout. The first enclosure assembly is at least partially disposed within the first cutout and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure defining a first opening that receives a first ball transfer unit.