Abstract: A device for braking the fall of a load, the device having a flexible fabric structure with a central hub connected to at least two radial blades adapted to impart rotary motion to the structure, thereby generating lift, and suspension rigging connecting the flexible fabric structure to the load beneath it.

Abstract: A drogue assembly (10) for in flight refueling includes a circumferenal array of triangular support arms which carry a drogue parachute (29) which extends circumferentially around their shorter sides. Each support arm is pivoted and mounted on a pivot pin (19) at its apex for pivotal movement in a radial direction. At least alternate ones of the support arms carry leaf springs which extend into pockets (51) formed in the drogue parachute (29). The leaf springs act on the drogue parachute (29) in opposition to air pressure loading on it in flight so that it tends to increase the chord angle of the drogue parachute (29) from the leading edge. Hence the effective area of the drogue parachute in flight is varied automatically above a certain predetermined minimum which depends on the dimensions of the trailing edge so it is reduced as air speed is increased and vice versa.

Abstract: A parachute has its suspension lines divided into groups, each group connected to the load through a linear actuator. During descent of the parachute, foreshortening of an actuator or of any group of adjacent actuators causes the parachute trajectory to move in the direction of the foreshortened actuator. Multiple parachutes connected to a single load, with each parachute being connected to the load through an actuator, can similarly have their trajectory controlled. The trajectory of the parachute can also be changed by a system of normally foreshortened actuators which lengthen by actuation. Simultaneous, rapid shortening of all actuators just before ground impact can be used to reduce the descent velocity at ground impact.

Abstract: A thin film polymeric membrane is made from a plurality of adjacent sections that are bonded together along longitudinal seams taken with reference to an axis of symmetry. The membrane is reinforced laterally by a continuous helical reinforcing fiber pattern that passes the reinforcing fiber(s) a plurality of times over each of the longitudinal seams. The membrane desirably is in the shape of a parachute or balloon envelope.

Abstract: A reserve parachute is provided with air pockets at the apex of the canopy to allow rapid deployment of the reserve parachute without tangling with a malfunctioning main parachute. Skirt assist lines are provided to allow the lower edge of the canopy to spread on deployment and thus speed the opening of the canopy. In addition, ties may be provided between the pockets to maximize their effectiveness.

Abstract: A canopy-type parachute is provided which includes improved stability features and lends itself to relatively easy assembly. Integral valves promote stability of the airfoil by not allowing rapid deflation of the airfoil, and their location and orientation within the airfoil promote structural rigidly of the overall airfoil, even out to the front top edge of the airfoil. The valves in one configuration bias against a vertical, loaded rib which tends to provide a consistent taut and planar surface for the valves to bias and act against.

Abstract: The non-motorized aircraft flight control system provides additional lines, cords, hooks and other devices to existing paraglider aircraft to aid in the control of the paraglider wing elements such as the wing suspension lines which are used to change the shape of the wing to change the flight characteristics of the aircraft. The simplest version of the improvements facilitate the location and pulling of the appropriate control lines. Visual facilitators are used to aid in identifying the proper elements. The more complex changes involve cables and handle grips with gear systems similar to a bicycle shifting mechanism. In all cases where a control position is to be maintained for a period of time there is a device to retain the cord or cable in the proper position. A further variation involves the use of a transmission box to shift and control the cables and to use the pilot's leg to aid in manipulation of various elements of the paraglider.

Abstract: A personnel guided aerial delivery device is disclosed which can be used to safely and precisely deliver personnel, cargo, or a combination of both from an aircraft in flight, to a precise target or location. In the preferred embodiment, the aerial delivery device generally consists of a large "ram-air" type gliding parachute, a "drogue" parachute, an encapsulated crew module, a "fly-by-wire" control system, and a landing impact attenuation system. The aerial delivery device can employ an onboard human pilot to navigate the module. The use of a skilled pilot allows the aerial delivery device to be guided to a designated landing site.

Abstract: An improved cruciform or cross parachute, especially for personnel use, is disclosed. The central section and canopy arms are made from a zero or near zero porosity fabric, and air from underneath the canopy is vented as air venting jets through generally horizontal openings in each of the four lateral arms of the canopy. The generally horizontal openings are centrally located in the upper half of the lateral arms, preferably spaced inwardly 20% of the arm width from the arm edges and preferably at a transition point in the upper part of the arm where a tangent line intersecting the arm surface is approximately 45.degree. from the vertical axis of the parachute. Also, preferably, the opening is formed by horizontal slits. The central section can be made from the standard square crown configuration or, alternatively, effectively enlarged by removing small triangular sections at each of the four corners of the otherwise square crown.

Abstract: A drogue chute for increasing aerodynamic resistance against the movement of a swinging sport implement such as a bat, racket or club. The drogue includes a canopy that attaches to the sport implement by suspension lines. When the sport implement is swinging, the canopy inflates to create a relatively high aerodynamic drag. The drogue may also include a break-away fastener. When the fastener is connected, the canopy is reefed so that the drogue provides relative little aerodynamic drag to the sport implement. When the sport implement reaches a sufficient speed, the fastener disconnects allowing the canopy to inflate thereby providing a sudden increase in aerodynamic resistance.

Abstract: A parachute promotion method and article provide for delivery of promotional materials to a gathering of people in a way which creates a stunning and colorful display. In the method, parachute assemblies carrying promotional materials are released in substantial numbers from a suitable elevation for descent toward people below who have gathered, as in a stadium. The parachute assemblies may be released from an aircraft, from a descending parachutist or from an elevated structure. The parachute assemblies each comprise a parachute canopy and suspension element formed of flexible sheet material and a container, such as a beverage bottle, provided with a removable closure fastened to a central portion of the suspension element. The promotional materials are carried in the container.

Abstract: An improved parachute bridle assembly and an improved method for deploying a parachute are provided. The improved bridle assembly includes a bridle having a main pilot chute attached at a distal end thereof, and a second pilot chute attached to the bridle at about a midpoint thereof. The second pilot chute is spaced from the main pilot chute by a distance that allows the second pilot chute to enter the airstream independently of the main pilot chute. In use of the bridle assembly, deployment is initiated by spring ejection of the main pilot chute into the airstream. Thereafter, the second pilot chute is ejected into the airstream. The pilot chutes pull a deployment bag from the harness container thereby extracting the main canopy.

Abstract: A reference point device and method for aiding in the training of free falling parachutists or skydivers. The reference point device indicates relative position and velocity to the skydiver during free fall, and is structured to be first tossed from an airplane followed immediately by the skydiver jumping, or released from the hands of the skydiver shortly after jumping from an airplane, wherein the reference device achieves and maintains the approximate terminal velocity of the free falling skydiver. The reference device falls in a stable manner, enabling the skydiver to have a close proximity visual point of reference to determine or gauge his or her relative directional movement and speed of fall, and this so that the skydiver may practice movement and speed control during free falling prior to opening his or her parachute.

Abstract: This invention describes a ram-air type inflatable wing that is resistant to deflation. The inflatable air wing includes a plurality of cells disposed between the top and bottom skins of the wing, with at least one valve positioned within each of a plurality of cells. Each valve generally inhibits deflation of the cells when the air pressure inside the cells is greater than the air pressure outside the cells and permits the cells to inflate when the air pressure outside the cell is greater than the air pressure inside the cells.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a deformable structure surrounding a volume, and means for suspending a fragile cargo in spaced relationship above an impact zone on said deformable membrane. The apparatus is designed to: prevent damage to fragile cargo therein; lengthen a duration of the cargo impact period; reduce terminal vertical freefall velocity of the cargo relative to a terminal vertical freefall velocity of the cargo alone; and lengthen a duration of a cargo/craft fall period for falls from extreme heights. Preferably, the apparatus is spherical in shape, substantially transparent, and has a plurality of flexible strut members for suspending the fragile cargo in spaced relationship above an impact zone of said apparatus.

Abstract: A sport parachute for use in speed and endurance enhancement training for athletes, particularly runners, bikers, skaters, etc. engaged in recreational activities and amateur or professional sports. The parachute is provided with cords attached at one end to cord attachment points along the edge of a parachute sheet and attached together commonly at the other end thereof and to a strap, e.g. a belt, to be worn by the athlete. The cords are brought together through a resistance adjuster that alters the free length of the cords and the resulting shape of the parachute when inflated to thereby alter the drag afforded by the inflated parachute. The parachute sheet is formed with air pockets extending radially from near the center of the sheet and terminating at the cord attachment points. The drag afforded by the parachute may be adjusted by the degree of opening of the pockets and the spreading apart of the cord attachment points.

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: A parachute having an improved vent line stacking wherein the parachute is provided with a canopy having a central vent opening and a vent band secured to the canopy around the periphery of the vent opening, with a plurality of vent lines each lying on a diameter of the vent opening and having its ends secured to the vent band on opposite sides of the vent opening. The vent lines are sewed to the vent band in an order such that a the end of a first vent line is sewed to the vent band at a starting point with the end of a second vent band then being sewed to the vent band adjacent to and counterclockwise from the first band. A third vent band is sewed to the vent band adjacent to and clockwise from the first band, with a fourth vent band being sewed to the vent band adjacent to and counterclockwise from the second vent band.

Abstract: A gliding decelerator and an assembly for use therein for improving the l to drag ratio associated therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the gliding decelerator includes a ram-air canopy shaped to include a plurality of half-cells, each half-cell having an open leading end and a closed tailing end. Inflatable bladders are secured within the respective half-cells of the canopy, the inflatable bladders being appropriately dimensioned so that, when inflated soon after the canopy has been opened, each bladder fills its respective half-cell in such a way as to stiffen the half-cell both along its length and at its open leading end. The inflatable bladders may be inflated simultaneously or in stages, the inflation means comprising a gas source, a flexible manifold connecting the gas source to the half-cells and valve means for controlling the output of the gas source. Control of the valve means may be automatic, e.g., a timer, a remote control unit, or may be controlled by a parachutist, e.g.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a regulated drag area parachute for decelerating manned ejection seat or an ejectable capsule at a low altitude from an aircraft or other air vehicle. This parachute comprises a canopy composed of two portions, suspension lines, and a means for controlling the inflation of the canopy so that the two portions of the canopy inflate independently from one another. This means for controlling the inflation of the canopy provides a manner to regulate the rate of inflation of the lower portion of the canopy. Thus, the invention allows the top, or apex portion of the canopy, to inflate rapidly while the remaining portion of the canopy can be inflated subsequently and in a controlled manner so that the effective drag area of the canopy can be regulated during the deployment of the parachute.

Abstract: Parachute for providing an impedance to a or other rapidly moving person, animal or vehicle comprising a sheet having an edge or edges, peripheral cords tied to the edge or edges and distributed uniformly about the center of the sheet, such sheet being formed with a hole at its center, and a disk near the proximal ends of the cords, the peripheral cords being attached to and passing beyond the disk, the proximal ends of the cords being gathered together and fastened to the torso of a person.

Abstract: An annular spinning parachute is composed of an annular canopy symmetrical about an apex, suspension lines of substantially the same length and interconnected together at the canopy apex and extending radially outwardly therefrom across the canopy and downwardly therefrom for coupling to an object supported by the parachute, and centerlines interconnected with the suspension lines at the canopy apex and extending downwardly therefrom for coupling to the object supported by the parachute. The annular canopy includes fabric panels each having a generally trapezoidal shape defined by a pair of opposing inner and outer borders with the outer border being greater length than the inner border and a pair of opposing side borders of substantially the same length.

Abstract: An improved ram air, multi-cell wing type canopy with suspension flares has its lower surface shortened to provide an enlarged inlet; one flare is directly attached to its upper surface. A modification has a channel provided to direct air flow over the upper surface. Scoops under the lower surface at the rear end provide protection against the canopy uncontrollably folding under.

Abstract: A flexible, hollow, lift-developing airfoil has a frontal air inlet, and a valveless air-filled chamber between upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface is impermeable to air. The lower surface has a permeable section which permits air to freely flow therethrough in either direction depending on differential atmospheric pressure inside and outside the chamber. When the airfoil is in horizontally advancing flight, the permeable section is not exposed to the relative wind. Under such conditions air enters the chamber through the frontal opening, and excite through the permeable section. When the airfoil is descending in a substantially vertical direction, the permeable section is exposed to relative wind, and air enters the chamber therethrough, flowing out through the frontal opening, to automatically maintain a desired aerodynamic profile.

Abstract: A parachute pack of the type including a pilot chute for drawing a main parachute canopy out of its container uses a single adjustable tension retainer cord and pin which holds a compression spring for the pilot chute in an adjustably tensioned state. Various packing methods and canopy sizes may be used with the pack so that a constant tension may be placed on the compression spring regardless of the thickness of the pack. In addition, ends of side flaps of the container are attached to the bottom flap of the container, and epaulet flaps are fastened to a top flap, to form a boxlike enclosure for the main parachute so as restrict release of the main parachute from the container until after the pilot chute has attained a sufficient amount of positive drag to urge the main chute therefrom.

Abstract: A toy safety restraint configured for use with a doll to simulate a safety restraint of the type worn by a child while riding in a vehicle, and thus encourage the use of such restraints, includes a padded panel adapted to be worn on the back of the doll and a harness operationally associated with the panel for securing the panel to the back of the doll in the manner in which such restraints are actually worn by children.

Abstract: A vehicle, especially an air vehicle or water vehicle, is described which has at least one wing. This wing includes an upper and/or a lower wing covering as well as an area provided at the wing which is movable between a first position in which the air or water resistance of the wing is small and a second position in which the air or water resistance is increased. Furthermore, an actuation mechanism in engagement with the area for carrying out the movement is provided. The area is formed as deformable area and defines a portion of the upper and/or lower wing covering.

Abstract: The parachute having a canopy composed of a plurality of radially arranged asymmetrical polygonal panels of the same shape, with, each panel being sewn only partially to its adjacent panel so that, in the fully deployed state, a plurality of air exit nozzles are formed in the carrying zone section of the parachute in the unsewn regions with the nozzles all acting in the same circumferential direction. The effect of each air exit nozzle is improved and stabilized with respect to guiding the flow of air in the tangential direction in that a trapezoidal area is attached to the edge or side of each panel in the unsewn region so as to overlap the adjacent panel. In addition, each panel is preferably provided with a horizontal or concentrically extending stabilization slit which is disposed in the transition region between the carrying zone section and the guide zone section of the canopy.

Abstract: The upper and lower panel of a ram air inflated parachute canopy are conned interiorly of the canopy by lines extending between the panels at points spaced chordwise and spanwise of the panels so that airflow is unrestricted within the canopy and the weight and bulk of chordwise ribs is eliminated. The parachute suspension lines have connections to the lower panel at points where the interior lines connect to the lower panel and these connections may be made by loops incorporated in the lower panel. The interior line lengths and the proportions of spanwise end panels of the canopy may correspond to a triangular chordwise cross sectional shape of the canopy. The upper panel may have an extension forwardly of the lower panel with lines extending between the extension and the suspension lines to downwardly curve the extension and partially close the open forward end of the canopy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an emergency escape unit to be used in case of an emergency such as a fire, an earthquake or the like, such that the user safely escapes from a high building with the use of this escape unit. In the emergency escape unit of the present invention, a light-weight gas such as helium, air or the like, filled in a bomb may be quickly released into a sack-like canopy, causing the canopy to be expanded in the form of an umbrella, so that the air resistance during descent is quickly increased, enabling the user to fall slowly. When helium is used as the light-weight gas to be released into the sack-like canopy, provision is made such that buoyancy is generated.

Abstract: The gliding parachute which is closed at its leading edge comprises substantially in the zone of the highest aerodynamic impact pressure pressurizing air entry openings located in the lower parachute sheet, which openings lead to a stabilizing of the shape of the parachute comprising substantially an upper and a lower parachute sheet forming an air foil structure. In order to inflate this parachute during the starting phase, inflating air entry openings are located downstream of the pressurizing air entry openings, which inflating air openings are designed as check valves. This causes a faster and safer filling of the interior of the parachute by air.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a parachute having a canopy with an outer peripheral skirt and a plurality of spaced apart attachment points comprises selecting one of the attachment points as a starting point and winding a continuous fiber from the starting point to other attachement points until a net of reinforcement fiber is formed among the attachment points. A canopy is then attached to the resulting reinforcement net. Nonporous material can be used for the canopy because of the strong reinforcement achieved.

Abstract: A fire protection umbrella, which comprises a fire-proof umbrella cover coated with fire retarding paint and fully covered with ceramic elements or ceramic wafers. A flash light is attached to the handle of the umbrella to produce light. A hood is attached to the bottom of the umbrella cover to cover one's head on an emergency. The umbrella ribs may be bound up with the shaft of the umbrella frame by a cord to prevent the umbrella cover from collapse in counter direction so that the umbrella may be used as a parachute to help one escape from a high-raised building.

Abstract: A parachute apparatus with a main canopy having conventional suspension lines and load carrying means with a plurality of main loops attached with respect to the panels of the main canopy. A secondary canopy is positioned within the main inlet opening of the first canopy and is adapted to intially retain the lower edge of the main canopy in a closed position. The outer surface of the secondary canopy and the inner surface of the main loop canopy are connected by way of the main loops and by way of secondary loops located on the external surface of the secondary canopy. A retaining cord extends through the secondary loops and the main loops to reef the main canopy to the secondary canopy during the initial stages of inflation. During this time the secondary canopy will inflate and provide a controlled flow of inflation air into the main chute. Once the main parachute has become partially inflated then the reefing cord is cut allowing full inflation of the larger main canopy.

Abstract: A personnel lowering or descent control device. The device includes a housing adapted to be secured to a person intending to descend from a higher to a lower elevation, and containing a line adapted to be secured at one end to a fixed point at said higher elevation. The line is wound on a reel rotatably mounted in said housing. A brake assembly, including a centrifugal brake controls the rate of rotation of said reel and thereby the rate of descent. A mechanical brake on said housing provides a manual control of the rate of rotation of the line supply reel. The descent line is trained on a plurality of capstans mounted within the housing for absorbing energy and providing a capstan ratio effective to reduce applied line tension to slow the descent of an object supported by the said descent device.

Abstract: An improved, cross braced airfoil for a wing-type parachute which is composed of an upper panel having a front edge and a rear edge and angularly oriented rib panels secured to the top panel and extending downwardly away from the top panel to a generally fore and aft row of suspension line attachments.

Abstract: An aeronautical drogue having a canopy and support members connecting the canopy to a connector provides for essentially constant drag at variable speeds by aerodynamic pressure modulation through controllably venting the canopy by constructing the canopy of a plurality of separate elastic bands positioned side by side the elastic bands being connected at spaced intervals by flexible connections.

Abstract: A skyboard which is an apparatus using the combination of a specially designed surfboard and a parachute to enable the rider to ride the skyboard in a manner similar to the rider's positioning on a surfboard and which will enable the rider to ride the air currents of the sky in a much more exciting manner than through conventional gliders or hand gliders. The skyboard is a lightweight object formed in the general shape of a surfboard and which is modified to include at least a pair of front wings and a pair of rear wings on its lateral sides, a pair of fins on its underside and a pair of foot or shoe binders on its upper surface to accommodate and hold the rider's feet or shoes.

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: An autorotating parachute is formed of spaced apart flexible flat panels with the peripheral edge of the panels being formed as a succession of arcuate edges and wherein the central portion of the canopy is substantially free of panel material.

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 student's parachute harness attaches to an instructor's parachute harness allowing both to descend in tandem. Detaching snaps at the shoulders and waist of the student's harness detachably engage fittings on generally corresponding portions of the instructor's harness to couple the tandem in proper relative body positions. The fittings at the instructor's shoulders are load distribution fittings which have a flat tangential portion connected to the canopy and reserve risers and a forwardly jutting portion connected to a snap hook on the student's harness. A drogue provides stabilization during a prone free fall by having its riser connected to the instructor's harness where the shoulder straps cross each other in the center of the instructor's back. Pulling a rip cord at the end of the drogue free fall detaches the drogue bridle from the drogue riser to release the drogue which deploys the canopy from a container attached to the instructor's harness.

Abstract: An airfoil-shaped canopy of a ram air inflated parachute has load point attachments spaced chordwise along all of the ribs which internally separate the inflating air cells. Each load suspension line extending from a payload riser is connected through a load distributing system to at least four canopy load points consisting of a chordwise spaced pair and a spanwise spaced pair of attachments to the canopy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parachute including a steerable canopy. Steerability is achieved by providing a venting gore in the canopy and two or more maneuvering suspension lines secured to the hem of the canopy on opposite sides of the venting gore. The maneuvering suspension lines are arranged to be extendible so that on extension it allows the canopy hem in the region of the gore to lift slightly to provide a forward drive to the canopy in flight. During flight the canopy may be steered by manipulation of the maneuvering lines thereby to change the direction in which air escapes from the canopy. The canopy may also be fitted with an auxiliary suspension system arranged and adapted to reduce opening time of the canopy.

Abstract: The parachute system comprises three parachutes 1-3, whose shroud lines 16 are combined into partial bundles 8-10 are articulated via articulation points 17 to articulation straps 4-7.The articulation is constructed as follows. The two partial bundles of the first parachute 1 are articulated to one articulation strap pair and the partial bundles of the second parachute 2 are articulated to the opposite articulation strap pair. The two partial bundles of the third parachute 3 are also articulated to an articulation strap of the first parachute 1 and to an articulation strap of the second parachute 2.

Abstract: Each suspension line of a multi-cell gliding parachute is connected through a lower loop of a primary reinforcing tape folded over on itself. The upper overlying segments of the primary reinforcing tape extend partially across and are stitched to one side of a corresponding fabric rib connected between upper and lower fabric canopies of the parachute. The upper ends of the segments terminate below the upper canopy and are connected to a secondary reinforcing tape also stitched to the rib and spaced from the upper canopy. The upper segments of the primary reinforcing tape and the secondary reinforcing tape form a Y, T or other configuration serving to distribute the load from the suspension line without puckering or otherwise altering the preferred airfoil configuration of the upper and lower canopies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a homing device having means for providing an audible signal. A piezocrystal is powered by a single battery or a plurality of batteries in series, so as to provide a voltage of at least about 12 volts D.C. whereby the piezocrystal produces at least 80 db during the ON periods. The means to selectively provide electrical connection between the piezocrystal and the power source, is a magnetically activated reed switch held in the open position by the proximity of a magnet. Means is provided to periodically interrupt the flow of current from the power source to the piezocrystal thereby producing a signal ON period of at least two seconds and a signal OFF period of at least two seconds. The homing device can be totally enclosed within a weather proof container with a magnet positioned outside of the container proximate the reed switch. The homing device is secured to the riser of a main canopy riser and the magnet is secured to a ripcord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymaneuverable canopy and to a process for its control by a parachutist. This canopy comprises windows distributed symmetrically in relation to a main plane of symmetry XY, and control lines connecting together the various windows in such a manner that a pull on one line (3) causes a rotation of the canopy to the right, while a pull on two lines (3, 4) causes a braking or rearward displacement of the canopy when the lines are situated one on each side of the plane of symmetry, and a pull on two lines (3, 5) situated on the same side of the plane of symmetry XY brings about a straight lateral displacement of the canopy.

Abstract: For use with a parachute used after ejection from an aircraft, a discard assembly for disconnecting a parachute deployment mechanism from the parachute in response to the opening of the parachute by a preselected amount. The discard assembly includes a pair of releasably interconnected rods enclosed in a slidable housing. An actuator assembly is coupled to the housing and to the parachute and slides the housing away from one of the rods, thereby allowing them to disconnect, upon opening of the parachute by the preselected amount. The actuator assembly comprises a pair of rings coupled to the parachute on opposite sides of the parachute vent, and a pair of lanyards coupled to the housing and to the parachute, with each lanyard passing through one of the rings. The force generated by the transverse expansion of the opening parachute is transmitted via these rings and lanyards to actuate the discard assembly.

Abstract: A rotating parachute which makes it possible to transmit the energy of rotation to a load which is connected to the parachute. The inventive rotating parachute has a canopy which is connected via shroud lines to a load-carrier. The shroud lines are offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the parachute.