US 5,593,113 A · Methods and apparatus for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft

Abstract

A multiple payload system comprising a sling assembly and a frame assembly for suspension from an aircraft. The sling assembly includes an elongated load bearing cable having a first end and a second end. A stress sensor used in measuring the weight of the payloads extends between the aircraft and the first end of the load bearing cable. A payload hook is also attached to the sling assembly with an anti-torque device extending between the second end of the load bearing cable and the payload hook. The anti-torque device permits the payload hook to freely rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing cable. The frame assembly is attached to the payload hook and comprises an airframe with a plurality of payload hooks secured thereto. The payload hooks are used for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads. A stabilizing wing and a plurality of legs are also attached to the airframe. Finally, electrical means are also provided to permit selective actuation of the payload hooks and the load cells from the aircraft.

Claims46

Dependent claims

An apparatus for selectively attaching and selectively releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

(a) an airframe capable of supporting multiple payloads;
(b) a plurality of payload hooks attached to the airframe;
(c) means mounted on each of the payload hooks for sensing the loading position of each of the plurality of payload hooks;
(d) means for suspending the airframe at a distance below the aircraft;
and
(e) means for electrically and selectively actuating each of the payload hooks.
(f) means for supporting the plurality of payload hooks a distance off the ground during repetitive landing of the apparatus for attaching the individual payloads;
wherein the means for supporting the airframe off the ground comprises a plurality of legs attached to the airframe and extending below the airframe such that the plurality of legs support the payload hooks off the ground during landing of the apparatus.

5 more elements

An apparatus for selectively attaching and selectively releasing a payload suspended from an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a load bearing cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being for attachment to an aircraft;
(b) a payload hook being electrically actuated for selectively attaching and selectively releasing a payload attached thereto;
(c) means for attaching the second end of the load bearing cable to the payload hook such that the payload hook freely rotates relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing cable, the means for attaching comprising:
(i) a stator assembly comprising a first shaft, a second shaft, and a third shaft, the third shaft being aligned with and extending between the first shaft and the second shaft, the third shaft having a diameter smaller than the diameter of both the first shaft and the second shaft, the first shaft of the stator assembly being attached to the second end of the load bearing cable;
(ii) a rotor assembly comprising a housing having a first end, a second end, an interior surface defining a receiving chamber, and a lip radially extending inward from the interior surface near the first end defining an opening to the receiving chamber, the second shaft of the stator assembly being positioned within the receiving chamber with the third shaft passing through the opening, the second shaft of the stator assembly having a diameter greater than the diameter of the passage so that the second shaft is held within the receiving chamber, the second end of the rotor assembly being attached to the payload hook;
and
(iii) a bearing assembly positioned between the stator assembly and the rotor assembly, thereby permitting the rotor assembly to freely rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing cable;
and
(d) means for electrically and selectively actuating the payload hook from the aircraft.

6 more elements

An apparatus for selectively attaching and selectively releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a load bearing cable having a first end for attachment to the aircraft and a second end;
(b) a payload hook attached to the second end of the load bearing cable;
(c) an airframe capable of supporting multiple payloads, the airframe being independently carried by and selectively connected to the payload hook at the second end of the load bearing cable;
(d) a plurality of payload hooks mounted on the airframe, each of the payload hooks being configured to hold a discrete payload directly beneath the airframe;
and
(e) means for electrically and selectively actuating each of the payload hooks from the aircraft.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatus for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatus for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims46