Patents by Inventor Michael W. Higgins

Michael W. Higgins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Control system for ram air gliding parachute
    Patent number: 4175722
    Abstract: A system for inducing turns in ram air canopy parachutes having a plurality of openings in the upper surface layer of the parachute canopy with the openings being equally distributed on opposite sides of the parachute centerline. Flaps are provided on the under side of the upper surface layer to close the openings. Control lines are attached to the flaps for selectively opening the flaps on one or the other side of the centerline to allow ram air to flow through the openings. This reduces lift and increases drag on one side of the ram air canopy parachute to induce a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Michael W. Higgins