Patent ID: 8308107
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: B64D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A cargo loading system installed in a cargo compartment of an aircraft, the cargo loading system comprising: a plurality of power drive units (PDUs), each of the PDUs comprising a light detector coupled to a PDU processor and configured to receive and process an incoming light signal; at least one main control panel (MCP) mounted on the aircraft; a controller connected by a wired network to the plurality of PDUs and also to the main control panel; and at least one wireless remote control handset configured to selectively emit a coded light signal; wherein: each PDU processor is programmed to: the controller is programmed to: in addition to determining whether a coded light signal received at the light detector, each PDU is configured to detect whether an Unit Load Device (ULD) is overhead, based on (a) light reflected from an underside of an ULD, and (b) measurement of ambient light.