Abstract: This invention relates to a novel parachute comprising an auxiliary canopy which is slidably mounted to restrictor lines to enable automatic sliding through variable positions during deployment of the parachute for controlling the speed and geometry of main canopy inflation.

Abstract: This invention relates to annular canopy parachutes having a central cap canopy, in critically spaced arrangement at the central main vent, which assists in providing rapid controlled inflation and decreasing oscillation upon inflation as to allow incorporation of high drag coefficient, generally air impermeable canopy fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable air support device having a plurality of air inflatable cells, arranged within a conveniently dissembled air support bag. The portable device comprises a novel air distribution manifold, control console and air distribution valve assembly to inflate a novel air flow quilt which provides an upward flow of air to a patient reclining thereon, to provide comfort and promote patient healing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid distribution valve comprising a port select valve structure wherein the flow of fluid from a fluid flow source is directed through a chamber of a rotatable member comprising a plurality of varying sized spaced ports which align with ports of a housing at various positions of rotation of the member to provide variations of fluid flow through the ports of the housing. The valve has particular utility as an air distribution valve in an air flow support mattress system.

Abstract: An inflatable landing bag having a valve for release of the inflating fluid from the landing bag as the pressure of the inflating fluid of the landing bag rises above a given level, such valve including a sleeve comprised at least in part of a woven stretch fabric having interstitially variable inflating fluid porosity such as to control release of inflating fluid from the landing bag.

Abstract: A belt-type restraint device, for restraining a person, has a belt for forming a girdle about the waist of the person and restraint means for securing the wrists of the person to the front of the belt. The restraint means are formed of loops continuous with the webbing of the belt to allow a single latching buckle at the back of the belt to simultaneously adjust and lock both the belt and the loops.

Abstract: The parachute opening assist and control arrangement is a small auxiliary canopy in combination with a series of transverse reefing lines. The auxiliary canopy is folded within the main canopy and is connected to the reefing lines. Each reefing line is connected between two opposed main support lines. When the parachute is fully open, the reefing lines are a series of transverse lines which cross each other at a central point. The ends of the reefing lines are connected to the main support lines at a point close to the skirt of the main canopy. The auxiliary canopy extends above the reefing lines. A positioning line is connected between the crown of the main canopy and the center point of the reefing lines. The positioning line may be foreshortened to increase the reefing effect during canopy opening. The auxiliary canopy and reefing lines together increase the speed of initial opening and control the opening to reduce the maximum shock during opening.

Abstract: A parachute canopy formed of circumferential rings of stretch fabric which stretch in a circumferential direction only. The canopy is formed by a plurality of trapezoidal fabric panels. Subsets of these panels form a plurality of rings which extend from the crown to the skirt. The radially inboard rings are formed from the stretch fabric and are joined along their adjacent circumferential seams with a double row of zig-zag stitching. The radially outboard rings are of a non-stretch fabric such as nylon.