Patent ID: 7494091

Claim:
An integrated object transport and stowage system for an aircraft having a bi-level module for moving at least one object from a main-deck to an overhead stowage area, comprising: a transport unit for the transport of said at least one object within the aircraft, the transport unit being moved in a horizontal and vertical direction; a vertical lift device for raising and lowering said transport unit between said main-deck and said overhead stowage area; at least one overhead stowage unit in said overhead storage area; and a first transfer drive system attached to said transport unit and comprising: a first plurality of object engagement devices engagable with said at least one object; a first motor mechanically coupled to and rotating at least one of said first plurality of object engagement devices; and a first controller electrically coupled to said first motor for activating said first motor which enables lateral translation of said at least one object relative to said transport unit for insertion and removal of said at least one object to and from the at least one overhead stowage unit.