Abstract: Apparatuses for controlling payload descent are described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a puck is provided that includes a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface opposite the top planar surface and an inner peripheral surface that is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. The inner peripheral surface, the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface define a centrally located bore that is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. Puck teeth are located on the inner peripheral surface. An outer peripheral surface bounds the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. An exit port surface is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. The exit port surface is between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface and couples the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface.

Abstract: A parachute canopy release assembly includes a frame assembly with first and second upstanding members. A latching member has a pivot end and a latch end, the pivot end pivotally coupled to a bottom portion of the first upstanding member. A riser bar has a pivot end and latch engaging end, the pivot end of the riser bar pivotally coupled to a top portion of the second upstanding member, the latch engaging end retained by the latch end of the latching member in the locked state. A release linkage assembly includes a lock member configured to transition from a first state to a second state, retain the latching member in a first position in the first, locked state and retain the latching member in a second position in the second, unlocked state.

Abstract: A canopy release assembly includes a base plate member and a pin assembly movably coupled to the base plate member. The pin assembly is configured to move to and from a locked state and an unlocked state. A cover is pivotally coupled to the base plate member and is configured to move to and from a closed state to an open state. A first release member has a first end coupled to the pin assembly and is configured to move the pin assembly to the unlocked state in the open state of the cover. A second release member is coupled to the cover and configured to engage the pin assembly in the closed state of the cover to move the pin assembly to the unlocked state.

Abstract: A multiple bundle sling load system including a sling for attachment to an aircraft, a support system suspended from the sling for carrying a plurality of bundles, a load release mechanism interconnecting each bundle with the support structure, a parachute associated with at least one of the bundles, a parachute release mechanism interconnecting each parachute with the support structure. And an actuator for remotely operating each release mechanism for selectively releasing each load release mechanism and not releasing the associated parachute release mechanism for an air drop operation and selectively releasing each load release mechanism and each associated parachute release mechanism for a land drop operation.

Abstract: A multiple bundle sling load system including a sling for attachment to an aircraft, a support system suspended from the sling for carrying a plurality of bundles, a load release mechanism interconnecting each bundle with the support structure, a parachute associated with at least one of the bundles, a parachute release mechanism interconnecting each parachute with the support structure. And an actuator for remotely operating each release mechanism for selectively releasing each load release mechanism and not releasing the associated parachute release mechanism for an air drop operation and selectively releasing each load release mechanism and each associated parachute release mechanism for a land drop operation.

Abstract: A tool-less chain coupling link has first and second body members releasably joined together. A first hinge pin is movably positioned within corresponding openings in the first and second body members. A first hinge pin keeper member is pivotally attached to the first body member and movably attached to the first hinge pin. A second hinge pin is movably positioned within other corresponding openings in the first and second body members. A second hinge pin keeper member is pivotally attached to the second body member and movably attached to the second hinge pin. The first and second hinge pin keeper members can be pivoted in a first direction to withdraw the first and second hinge pins, respectively, a sufficient distance to allow the first and second body members to be released from each other.

Abstract: A tool-less chain coupling link has first and second body members releasably joined together. A first hinge pin is movably positioned within corresponding openings in the first and second body members. A first hinge pin keeper member is pivotally attached to the first body member and movably attached to the first hinge pin. A second hinge pin is movably positioned within other corresponding openings in the first and second body members. A second hinge pin keeper member is pivotally attached to the second body member and movably attached to the second hinge pin. The first and second hinge pin keeper members can be pivoted in a first direction to withdraw the first and second hinge pins, respectively, a sufficient distance to allow the first and second body members to be released from each other.

Abstract: A buffer stop assembly for engagement within cargo aircraft to resist cargo movement. The buffer stop assembly comprises a horizontal member selectively engageable to the aircraft and a substantially vertical member resistant to movement by aircraft cargo. The members are mounted to each other. Preferably the panel mounting allows the vertical member to be moved between an extended position and a transport position overlying the horizontal member.

Abstract: A buffer stop assembly for engagement within cargo aircraft to resist cargo movement. The buffer stop assembly comprises a horizontal member selectively engageable to the aircraft and a substantially vertical member resistant to movement by aircraft cargo. The members are mounted to each other. Preferably the panel mounting allows the vertical member to be moved between an extended position and a transport position overlying the horizontal member.

Abstract: A device and method of use for opening a container during descent so that objects within the container may be dispersed over a controlled ground area. The device includes a housing with a parachute canopy contained within. A sling is attached to the canopy within the housing and extends external to the housing. A cap is selectively engageable with the housing to close the housing. A spring within the housing exerts outward force on the cap. An actuation device is mounted to the cap to selectively disengage the cap from the housing. When the cap is disengaged from the housing the cap is ejected by the force of the spring. A lanyard connecting the cap to the canopy draws the canopy out of the housing for deployment. Deployment of the canopy transfers tension force through the slings to the container. The tension force imposed on the container by the slings opens the container, releasing objects held therein. The objects are released at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A mechanical dereefer comprises a frame having a housing end with a joining wall and spaced plates extending from the joining wall to define a L shaped bifurcated end. A latch is mounted between the plates for pivotal movement between a capture position, wherein a reefing line end is held, and a release position, wherein the reefing line end is released. The latch is maintained in the capture position by engagement with a latch lock slidable through an aperture in the joining wall to a projected position. The latch lock is maintained against a bias in the projected position by the engagement of an elbow link and a trigger link each pivotally mounted within the frame housing end. The trigger link may be actuated out of engagement with the elbow link either manually or by a trigger device.