Grapple apparatus and method of operation

Details Grapple apparatus and method of operation Grapple apparatus and method of operation

B - Operations, Transporting

66

C

B66C 1/58 (2006.01)

Patent

CA 2182544

The grapple comprises left and right frame members hinged together at a main hinge, and left and right arms hinged together at the main hinge and having outer portions cooperating with a supporting cable. The grapple has left and right fingers to grasp a load, each finger being hinged to a respective frame member and connected to a respective arm. The grapple also includes a latching mechanism which cooperates with the fingers and arms to partially control angular relationship between the finger and the respective arm for actuation of the grapple. The latching mechanism is remotely controllable by an operator to release the load, and then requires re-setting to enable the grapple to grasp a subsequent load. The grapple is supported by a single cable extending from the arms to a helicopter and, prior to grasping a load, is positioned on the ground to straddle the load. When the grapple is on the ground, the cable slackens, and the latching mechanism is automatically re- set, using weight of the grapple only, and thus does not require manual intervention by a ground operator for re- setting. As the grapple is raised, the arms move upwardly and the fingers move inwardly to grasp the load, and the load is held securely until released by unlocking the latching. Weight of the load assists in forcing the fingers open which occurs at a controlled rate to reduce shock load on the helicopter.

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