Aerial emergency load release mechanism

US8534608B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventor

• William C. Cox · Kirkland, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 4, 2012
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 4, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C27/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An airborne tree trimming system is described that includes a helicopter having a chassis and a frame extending beneath the helicopter chassis; a trimming apparatus including a boom with an upper end and a plurality of rotatable cutting blades mounted on the boom; and a release mechanism attaching the trimming apparatus to the helicopter, the release mechanism including a connector having an upper end with a first hook attachment point, a lower end with a boom attachment point, and a second hook attachment point intermediate the upper and lower end; a first release hook mounted on the helicopter chassis and releasably attachable to the first hook attachment point; and a second release lock mounted on the frame and releasably attachable to the second hook attachment point.