Abstract: The ground impact velocity of a parachutist is reduced by a single, length-shortening, retraction device mounted between the parachute riser webbings. The gas generator-activated retraction device is activated by a ground proximity device based on electromagnetic or ultrsonic radiation reflected from the ground. The retraction device is fully integrated, eliminating any need for wires or connectors. An alternative design for the ground sensor is a wire-dangled mechanical ground sensor. The system allows steering of the descending parachute.

Abstract: Each of two risers is composed of a number of braided cords that are woven together. Each cord of one of the risers has a slit located where the two risers converge. Each slit provides communication with a concentric cavity in that cord. Each opposing cord for the other riser is inserted through the slit and has a section which lies in the cavity. When tension is applied, the braided cord enclosing the cavity radially constricts and the friction of the cavity walls holds the enclosed cord section in the cavity. The cords enclosing cavities continue on to become suspension lines connected to the parachute canopy. In one embodiment, each cord lying inside another terminates inside the cavity. Alternatively, the cord lying inside the cavity exits the cavity through a second slit and continues on to become another extension line. To connect the risers to an article to be decelerated by the parachute, the cords for both risers have slits near their ends. Each slit communicates with a concentric cavity.

Abstract: In a missile for setting down a load ejected from the missile after its launch, with at least one parachute that is attached to the load being packed in a container mounted in the missile, and with the cords of the load-carrying parachute being attached to an intermediate member coupled to the load, the intention is to reduce the size of the operational parts to be transported with the missile and improve the operation thereof during the setting down process. For this purpose it is envisaged that the container should be in the form of a two-part casing having an upper part which can be sprung open, and a plate-shaped lower part having a portion fixedly connected to the load and a support disk as the intermediate member attached to cords of the parachute. The support disk is capable of being folded out from the lower part portion while remaining connected thereto by a connecting element.

Abstract: A harness and belt assembly for a crewmember of an aircraft including left and right slings, a first belt assembly having first end second ends, a survival kit strap assembly attachment fitting which slidably engages the belt assembly, and a mechanism for releasably attaching the fitting to a seat of an aircraft. The slings are designed to extend from the chest of the crewmember, over the crewmember's shoulders, to the back of the crewmember. The first end of the belt assembly is attached to one of the slings at the portion designed to be adjacent the crewmember's chest. The second end of the belt assembly is attached to the other of the slings. A survival kit belt can be affixed to the fitting so that the survival kit ejects with the crewmember during an ejection.

Abstract: A parachute harness including a pair of shoulder straps having connected to the upper portion thereof at front and rear spaced apart locations a pair of riser straps which rise upwardly to connect with the canopy shroud lines. The forward and rearward riser straps of the right and left pair are releasably connected together intermediately in close spaced relationship to form at the intermediate location a fulcrum point such that during opening shock the riser straps are connected together at the fulcrum point for swaying of the jumper to and fro generally about such fulcrum point. After deployment of the canopy, the riser straps may be released at the fulcrum point to permit the intermediate portion of the riser to draw apart to assume orientations angling generally upwardly and outwardly from the respective anchor points to thus minimize oscillation of the jumper under the canopy and stabilize the jumper during his descent and while making manuevers and landing.

Abstract: A plastic shield for a connector link for connecting parachute shroud lines and a riser. The protector shield has a first member with channels which receive a portion of the connector link and a second member which is complementary with the first member and has channels which receive a portion of the connector link. The first and second members of the protector shield are attached by a set screw in surrounding relationship to a portion of the connector link to minimize contact between the connector link and a slider grommet on the shroud lines when the parachute slider and slider grommets located thereon move downwardly along the shroud lines so that the surface of the slider grommet is not nicked by contact with the connector link.

Abstract: A parachute quick release coupling having overlying and underlying coupling members and a latching mechanism pivotally mounted on a lower upstanding lug of the underlying coupling member to be withdrawn outwardly and downwardly from a normal latching position thereof overlying the upper coupling member to release the coupling and then eject the latching mechanism from the underlying coupling member.

Abstract: A training device, especially useful for a runner utilizing a flexible frame member which is attached to the runner and may be deformed by the runner while in motion.

Abstract: A quick release device comprising two members which may be releasably engaged to transmit a tensile force. Each of the members has a load-connection end and an engagement end. The engagement end of the members comprises two flat, elongate branches, with each of the branches terminating in a flat, rigid paddle. The paddles of one member foldingly engage the paddles of the second member whereby the paddles fold together into an interlocking arrangement. A releasable latch holds the paddles securely in the folded position so that the members can transmit a tensile force so long as the latch is in place, and the members will disengage from one another when the latch is released, without passing through any rings, links, loops or buckles.

Abstract: A gas filter container for housing a filter capable of filtering gases containing toxic components. The container includes a flexible end wall adapted to be positioned against the body of the user and is secured by means of a series of straps, two of which are adapted to be attached to a harness structure, such as a parachute harness, worn by the user, in a readily separable fashion so that disconnection of the harness will simultaneously free the two straps connected to the gas filter container. The flexible end wall includes inwardly-directed projections to space the wall from the filter inlet when the wall is deflected and thereby maintain a communication path to the filter inlet.

Abstract: A double safety manually releasable strap connector employs a male and a female member and latching devices to releasably connect the same, including a rotatable inter-connecting element in the female member. A manipulating lever is connected to the rotatable inter-connecting element for pivotal movement away from the female member. A first latch to prevent the pivotal movement of the lever for rotating the inter-connecting element being releasable by sliding the lever, and a second latch for locking the sleeve against the sliding movement. The male member is adapted to hold the riser of the canopy shrouds of a parachute and the female member is adapted to hold straps of the harness for the parachute.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a parachute release mechanism which comprises a harness connector for releasably connecting the risers of a main parachute canopy to a harness which is worn by a parachutist and which further comprises an actuating system for sequentially actuating release of the main canopy from the harness and for then effecting deployment of a reserve canopy from its compartment within a container. The actuating system includes first and second cables which are respectively employed to actuate release of the main canopy and to actuate deployment of the reserve canopy. The first cable is pulled to a predetermined extent to effect release of the main canopy. Pulling of the first cable beyond the predetermined extent deploys the second canopy.

Abstract: A parachute release arrangement which is mounted on the parachute buckle lizes a pair of water sensors that are activated when they are immersed in sea water. Activation of one sensor results in the connection of a battery to a DC-to-DC converter which raises the battery voltage to a substantially higher level for charging a storage capacitor. If the other sensor is also activated, this storage capacitor is subsequently discharged through an electrical explosive device when the voltage across it reaches a predetermined value. The resultant explosive force disengages a release lever in the buckle from the parachute strap and allows the detachment of the parachute. A checkout circuit is provided for monitoring the standby status of the control circuit.

Abstract: The releasable strap connector has a female connector and male connector, the latter having one or more prongs insertable in pockets of the female connector; a rocking bar has cut-away portions intersecting said pockets to interlock with correspondingly cut-away portions of the prongs of the male member, and a manipulating yoke lever for rocking the bar into a releasing position where the bar is withdrawn from said prongs.

Abstract: The releasable strap connector of the type used on parachute harness, has a female connector and a male connector; one or more prongs of the male connector are insertable in fitting pockets in the female connector; a rocking bar has cut-away portions intersecting said pockets so as to interlock with correspondingly cut-away portions of the respective prongs; a manipulating yoke lever is connected to the bar for rocking it into a releasing position where the cut-away portion of the bar is aligned with the pockets and the bar is withdrawn from the cut-away portions of the prongs thereby releasing the male member.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for a dual parachute release mechanism for a litary personnel-type parachute which enables the automatic power cable to be in a condition to function for initiating parachute deployment, even though the manual ripcord cable and housing may have been previously released accidentally and prematurely.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, particularly suitable for skiers, for propelling a skier by the force of wind. The apparatus includes a parachute-like sail with the shroud lines of the sail connected to a harness worn by the skier. Control lines extend along the sides of the sail towards the harness to provide directional control. The shroud lines are attached to a special holding device between the sail and harness, which device is connected to the harness by a quick release lock.

Abstract: A harness for sail board operators including a chest belt and shoulder straps. A hook carried by a plate on the belt attaches to a connecting element whose other end is fastened to the rigging. The hook pivots about an axis between a hooked-up position and a released position for the connecting element. The connecting element provides the releasing pivot force and a rip cord activates the mechanism which causes the releasing pivotal movement.

Abstract: This retractable pin disconnect is shown herein in connection with the male connector member of existing hardware for parachute harness and the like. The retractable pins engage opposite sockets in the legs of the male connector member for webbing. The retractable pins are on the opposite sidewalls of a hollow body and are connected to a pair of bell cranks which latter are connected to a yoke embracing the arms of the bell cranks so as to rock the bell cranks by pulling the yoke toward the other end of the body thereby to pull the retractable pins inwardly of the body and out of the sockets of the legs of the male connector member. The body is adapted to a webbing and thus interposed between the webbing and the connector member and functions in place of the usual webbing pin of the connector member. Means are provided for pulling the yoke for actuating the bell cranks and resilient means urge the yoke so as to move and hold the bell cranks in position for extending the retractable pins.

Abstract: At least one gas operated cylinder is mounted on the female connector member of the canopy release body, the piston in the cylinder is restrained in a retracted position by a shear pin protruding in the track ahead of the piston; a roll bar transversely extended in the female member has a cutaway portion to permit the insertion of a prong of a male connector member into an intersecting pocket in the female member so that when the roll bar is turned into a corresponding recess in the prong it interlocks the connector members; the free end of the piston engages a shoulder formed in the periphery of the roll bar; the roll bar may be turned manually away from the piston into position to withdraw it from the recess in the prong, but when gas under pressure moves the piston it shears the shear pin and turns the roll bar into the disengaging position wherein the roll bar is withdrawn from said prong recess.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a harness for a man carrying parachute including at least one mechanism for simultaneous releasing of a riser and of a harness fastening cross-link; the harness includes a means for positioning the connecting points of the riser at the level of the block which hold the harness fastening cross-link, one of the blocks including a lever to which a riser can be connected, the lever being maintained locked by a latch with the latch being maintained in engagement with the lever by a locking rod; the mechanism further includes a bracket which is maintained locked onto a support plate by a rod which holds the harness fastening cross-link so that when the rod is withdrawn, the lever pivots to release the riser and the bracket escapes to release the harness fastening cross-link.

Abstract: An attachment for a manually operable quick-release connector to enable the onnector to be retrofitted so as to be power operated by a remote signal, the attachment being mounted to the side of the connector in a position offering a low profile, a minimum discomfort to the user, and requiring a minimum modification of an existing connector structure during retrofitting.

Abstract: A parachute harness release mechanism for use on a parachute harness such as a torso restraint garment vest carrying releasable buckles for connection with parachute riser shoulder harness straps, releasable buckles for connection with survival kit lap belts, and an oxygen mask hose terminating in a releasable coupling for connection with an oxygen supply conduit. The release mechanism includes a hand operated control with a compressed air supply connectable selectively to either the releasable parachute riser shoulder harness strap buckles or alternatively to all of the releasable buckles and the oxygen hose coupling. In the latter mode, the compressed air is further connected to a pressure reducing valve for supplying air to the oxygen pressure regulator, mask hose, and mask for a time sufficient to enable the crewman to escape from the aircraft even though it is underwater or surrounded by fire, dense fumes or smoke.

Abstract: A mechanism for actuating a restraint divestment system for instant release of a crewman equipped with a parachute and restraint harness from an aircraft ejection seat mounted restraint assembly in the event of any emergency requiring such separation. In non-ejection emergencies, the mechanism effects the release of leg restraints, seat lap belt, and the disconnect couplings connecting the parachute riser and shoulder straps and survival kit to the harness so that, in the event of a surface emergency, the crewman can escape from the aircraft with his harness intact.

Abstract: An automatic release assembly for a two-piece harness connector is provided with an electro-optic trigger responsive to a liquid environment. A rotatable locking shaft is forcibly rotated to unlock position by actuation of a force generating device integrated into the two-piece harness connector.

Abstract: A restraint divestment system for releasing a crewman equipped with a parachute and restraint harness from an aircraft ejection seat mounted restraint assembly in the event of a ground emergency. A single point crewman actuated mechanism releases the leg restraints, seat lap belt, and the disconnect couplings connecting the parachute riser and shoulder straps and survival kit to the harness so that, in the event of a ground emergency, the crewman can escape from the aircraft with his harness. The actuating mechanism includes an interlock which prevents release of the parachute risers and survival kit in the event of an emergency ejection from the aircraft when in-flight, so that the system can then be utilized by a crewman for manual seat separation and parachute descent. The actuating mechanism includes a pull cord actuated bell crank mechanism which actuates the various release mechanisms and is latched in its full release position.

Abstract: The riser straps associated with the canopy suspension lines of a parachute are releasably coupled to a body harness by connector devices which include buckle rings through which loop extensions of the riser straps are threaded. A locking pin assembly engaged with each loop extension holds each connector device in a coupling condition. Each locking pin assembly is anchored to a cover protectively enclosing the connector device, by means of which the pin assembly is withdrawn to uncouple the connector device.

Abstract: A harness mounted arm restraint system for the occupant of an aircraft ejion seat to prevent the arms from flailing and being injured during ejection. Harness-mounted ribbons with slidable rings on them are hooked to snubber lines. The snubber lines are secured to the airframe of the aircraft so that when the seat ejects, the snubber lines pull the ribbons tightly around the upper arms and forearms of the seated occupant. The snubber lines then break away from the frame but the lines and ribbons are kept taut by a snubber block on the seat. The snubber lines are cut when seat and occupant separate.