Abstract: A lift and tilt support apparatus includes opposed scissor lift assemblies. Each scissor lift assembly includes a base, an upper frame, and scissored first and second legs, each having opposed top and bottom ends. The bottom end of the first leg is pivoted to the base, and the top end of the first leg is mounted to the upper frame for reciprocal movement. The top end of the second leg is pivoted to the upper frame, and the bottom end of the second leg is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement. The top end of the first leg reciprocates in a direction skewed from the top end of the second leg. The bottom end of the second leg reciprocates in a direction skewed from the bottom end of the first leg.

Abstract: Various embodiments of vehicle occupant safety systems having extendable restraints for use with, for example, airbags are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosed technology includes a 2-point occupant restraint that secures an occupant in an aircraft seat. In this embodiment, the aircraft seat is positioned in a seating area that includes a forward monument housing a stowed airbag. In the event of a crash or other significant dynamic event that causes, for example, a rapid deceleration of the aircraft above a preset magnitude, the airbag deploys between the occupant and the monument as the dynamic forces cause the occupant to pitch forward. The forward momentum of the occupant's body creates a significant tension load in the 2-point restraint, which causes the restraint to extend by a preset amount, thereby allowing the occupant to move forward in the seat more than the occupant would have moved had the occupant been wearing a conventional, non-extending 2-point restraint.

Abstract: Various embodiments of vehicle occupant safety systems having extendable restraints for use with, for example, airbags are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosed technology includes a 2-point occupant restraint that secures an occupant in an aircraft seat. In this embodiment, the aircraft seat is positioned in a seating area that includes a forward monument housing a stowed airbag. In the event of a crash or other significant dynamic event that causes, for example, a rapid deceleration of the aircraft above a preset magnitude, the airbag deploys between the occupant and the monument as the dynamic forces cause the occupant to pitch forward. The forward momentum of the occupant's body creates a significant tension load in the 2-point restraint, which causes the restraint to extend by a preset amount, thereby allowing the occupant to move forward in the seat more than the occupant would have moved had the occupant been wearing a conventional, non-extending 2-point restraint.

Abstract: Adjustably positionable airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods are described herein. An occupant restraint system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an airbag stowed and carried on a seat belt web of the occupant restraint system in an aircraft. The occupant restraint system can further include a fastening assembly configured to receive a web of the occupant restraint system. In a first mode, the fastening assembly is slidable along at least a portion of the web. In a second mode, the fastening assembly is coupled to the airbag and secured (e.g., clamped) to the web in a selected position. The airbag is configured to inflate in response to a rapid deceleration event and deploy in front of a seat occupant.

Abstract: A lift and tilt support apparatus includes opposed scissor lift assemblies. Each scissor lift assembly includes a base, an upper frame, and scissored first and second legs, each having opposed top and bottom ends. The bottom end of the first leg is pivoted to the base, and the top end of the first leg is mounted to the upper frame for reciprocal movement. The top end of the second leg is pivoted to the upper frame, and the bottom end of the second leg is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement. The top end of the first leg reciprocates in a direction skewed from the top end of the second leg. The bottom end of the second leg reciprocates in a direction skewed from the bottom end of the first leg.

Abstract: Various embodiments of vehicle occupant safety systems having extendable restraints for use with, for example, airbags are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosed technology includes a 2-point occupant restraint that secures an occupant in an aircraft seat. In this embodiment, the aircraft seat is positioned in a seating area that includes a forward monument housing a stowed airbag. In the event of a crash or other significant dynamic event that causes, for example, a rapid deceleration of the aircraft above a preset magnitude, the airbag deploys between the occupant and the monument as the dynamic forces cause the occupant to pitch forward. The forward momentum of the occupant's body creates a significant tension load in the 2-point restraint, which causes the restraint to extend by a preset amount, thereby allowing the occupant to move forward in the seat more than the occupant would have moved had the occupant been wearing a conventional, non-extending 2-point restraint.

Abstract: Various embodiments of vehicle occupant safety systems having extendable restraints for use with, for example, airbags are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosed technology includes a 2-point occupant restraint that secures an occupant in an aircraft seat. In this embodiment, the aircraft seat is positioned in a seating area that includes a forward monument housing a stowed airbag. In the event of a crash or other significant dynamic event that causes, for example, a rapid deceleration of the aircraft above a preset magnitude, the airbag deploys between the occupant and the monument as the dynamic forces cause the occupant to pitch forward. The forward momentum of the occupant's body creates a significant tension load in the 2-point restraint, which causes the restraint to extend by a preset amount, thereby allowing the occupant to move forward in the seat more than the occupant would have moved had the occupant been wearing a conventional, non-extending 2-point restraint.

Abstract: Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to an explosion or hard landing, respectively. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Downward movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness.

Abstract: Tensioning apparatuses for occupant restraint systems and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, an occupant restraint system for a vehicle can include a flexible web configured to extend across at least a portion of an occupant seated in the vehicle and an electrically actuated web retractor operably coupled to a proximal end portion of the web. The web retractor is configured to automatically wind and unwind the web. The system also includes an acceleration sensor operably coupled to the electrically actuated web retractor. The acceleration sensor is configured to send an electrical signal to the web retractor in response to a vehicle acceleration above a preset magnitude. In response to the signal, the web retractor is configured to (a) retract the web, and/or (b) at least temporarily prevent the web from moving inwardly or outwardly.

Abstract: The invention provides a cargo hook apparatus for securing cargo external to an aircraft for transportation, the apparatus comprising, pendent sling means, an attachment for securing the pendent sling means to the aircraft, and a cargo hook assembly, where the cargo hook assembly comprises a high-strength, lightweight alloy, and where the cargo hook assembly weighs less than about 55 pounds.

Abstract: Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to an explosion or hard landing, respectively. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Downward movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness.

Abstract: Tensioning apparatuses for occupant restraint systems and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, an occupant restraint system for a vehicle can include a flexible web configured to extend across at least a portion of an occupant seated in the vehicle and an electrically actuated web retractor operably coupled to a proximal end portion of the web. The web retractor is configured to automatically wind and unwind the web. The system also includes an acceleration sensor operably coupled to the electrically actuated web retractor. The acceleration sensor is configured to send an electrical signal to the web retractor in response to a vehicle acceleration above a preset magnitude. In response to the signal, the web retractor is configured to (a) retract the web, and/or (b) at least temporarily prevent the web from moving inwardly or outwardly.

Abstract: The invention provides a cargo hook apparatus for securing cargo external to an aircraft for transportation, the apparatus comprising, pendent sling means, an attachment for securing the pendent sling means to the aircraft, and a cargo hook assembly, where the cargo hook assembly comprises a high-strength, lightweight alloy, and where the cargo hook assembly weighs less than about 55 pounds.

Abstract: Cargo pendant assemblies for transporting cargo with aircraft and other cargo movers are disclosed herein. A pendant assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a pendant line having a first end portion opposite a second end portion. The second end portion is configured to be releasably attached to the aerial vehicle or other type of cargo transporter. The pendant assembly also includes a swivel attached to the first end portion of the pendant line, and a hook attached to the swivel. The hook is configured to releasably retain the cargo and rotate about the swivel independent of the pendant line and without twisting the pendant line. The pendant assembly further includes a release actuator that extends through at least a portion of the swivel and is operably coupled to the hook. The release actuator allows a user to release the cargo from the hook.

Abstract: Occupant restraint systems for use in land vehicles and other vehicles are disclosed herein. A restraint system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate belt or web configured to extend across an occupant seated in a vehicle, such as a military land vehicle. A proximal end portion of the elongate web is operably coupled to a web retractor. The web retractor carries an electrically actuated web locking device operably coupled to an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor sends an electrical signal to the web locking device in response to vehicle acceleration in, for example, a vertical direction above a preset magnitude. The web locking device responds to the electrical signal by at least temporarily preventing the retractor from paying out web.

Abstract: Air cargo pallets having polycarbonate and other polymer and synthetic cores are disclosed herein. An air cargo pallet configured in accordance with an embodiment includes a structural panel having a cargo support surface extending between opposing edge portions. The structural panel can include a polymeric core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. In one embodiment, the polymeric core can include a first piece of polymeric material attached to a second piece of polymeric material.

Abstract: An improved belt retractor assembly for use in a seat belt safety mechanism having a frame, a belt spool rotatably mounted on the frame, a pawl mounted for rotation with the spool, the retractor assembly including a calibration plate for mounting on the frame and a ratchet wheel mounted on the calibration plate by interference fit for engagement with the pawl. During an accident event, the belt retractor assembly will allow the spool to dispense belt webbing when the belt load goes above a predetermined range, thus allowing an occupant to incur lower overall loads.