Abstract: A reefing assembly for a circular parachute having a canopy including a skirt portion, and suspension lines attached to the skirt portion. The assembly includes a tension structure bounding a central opening and having a plurality of straight segments. A plurality of cords, each cord having two ends, are each fixed to one end of one of the tension structure straight segments to define a loop, and a plurality of rings slidably disposed on each of the loops. Each of the rings is slidably connected to at least one of the suspension lines. The rings are clustered together at a central portion of their respective loops, and upon deployment of the canopy, slide along their respective loops to become substantially equidistantly disposed on their respective loops. The assembly facilitates a restrained opening of the canopy and thereby reduces opening shock load.

Abstract: A parachute system has a canopy, suspension lines that extend from the canopy skirt to a confluence point, and a center line that is attached to and between the apex of the canopy and the confluence point. A single reefing line cutter is attached to the center line and is activated after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. A first reefing line extends through a first group of reefing rings wherein one end of the first reefing line is attached to the single reefing line cutter and the opposite end is attached to the canopy skirt at a first predetermined location. A second reefing line extends through a second group of reefing rings that is opposite the first group of reefing rings. The second reefing line has one end attached to the single reefing line cutter and an opposite end attached to the canopy skirt at a second predetermined location that is across from the first predetermined location.

Abstract: A container apparatus for an object to be dropped, which contains an object to be dropped functioning as a point marker or a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like and is dropped by a transport airplane such as an aircraft flying in the air to a water surface of sea, lake or the like, or to land or the like. The container apparatus follows a substantially uniform trajectory after being dropped by the transport airplane, and after being dropped, reduces the flight speed thereof to a fixed speed, to release the object to be dropped housed therein.

Abstract: A device, system and method of reserve parachute deployment comprised of a body with a top and bottom end, a hook-slot and releasable means of attachment in communication with the hook-slot. The system and method disclose additional components and an operation of the system such that upon cutting-away a malfunctioned main parachute, the invention allows the main parachute to be the anchor in the sky to deploy the reserve parachute with no further input from the operator, while if the reserve parachute is activated without cutting-away a main parachute, the invention allows the reserve pilot chute to deploy in the convention manner with no further input from the operator.

Abstract: An electronic automatic reserve or primary parachute activation device incorporates partial or complete capture of freefaller or tethered parachute jumper kinematics to rapidly and reliable determine when to automatically activate deployment of the primary or reserve chute. This device uses means for directly measuring acceleration, velocity and/or position in addition to air pressure change to enable reliable detection of chute deployment conditions earlier than is possible with conventional pressure change activated automated activations devices. This is important when the activation decision must be made within 5–10 seconds of the initiation of the jump as is the case for military low altitude parachuting.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for an automatic activation device for deploying a parachute are disclosed. The methods and systems include protecting the device from damage from a liquid and may include a filter configured to allow airflow to pass through the filter into the housing, while preventing passage of liquid through the filter into the housing. The methods, systems, and computer program products also include operating the automatic activation device for deploying a parachute and may include storing maintenance information in a memory of a processing unit that is related to a status of the device for deploying the parachute. The maintenance information may displayed to a user. The methods, systems, and computer program products may also include customizing an automatic activation device for deploying a parachute.

Abstract: A load-bearing paraglider system includes a load-bearing paraglider with a trailing edge, paraglider straps that connect the load-bearing paraglider with a control unit, and a load suspended on the load-bearing paraglider using load-bearing straps. At least one flaring strand is connected with the trailing edge for implementing control and curved flight maneuvers on the basis of activating the flaring strand using the force of the weight of the load. The control unit has a transmission unit with at least two load-bearing rollers for same direction rolling up of load-bearing straps or paraglider straps as well as at least one flaring strand roller for accommodating a flaring strand whereby the at least one flaring strand is rolled up on the allocated flaring strand roller. The load-bearing strap or the paraglider straps are rolled off in a predetermined direction of rotation with at least one flaring strand being rolled up in the same direction of rotation.

Abstract: A device for the automatic opening of a parachute, comprising a casing (1) closed with a lid (2), in which are located the means (3, 14) for electronically sensing the altitude of the parachute during the jump and the time and falling speed, and their controlling elements with a display unit and joint power supply, further comprising an activating unit consisting of an electrically controlled cutting explosive cartridge (12) with a through opening through which a ripcord (3) passes to release the securing string of the parachute, this explosive cartridge (12) being joined to said means by a connecting cable. The cutting explosive cartridge (12) is positioned in the interior space of the casing (1) formed by its partitions (4) and its connecting cable is led through the partition, while the casing (1), which together with the lid (2) consists of a body made of shock resistant material, is arranged for securing in the back part of the parachute harness.

Abstract: A hydraulic mechanism is positioned within the drogue bridle of a parachute system. The hydraulic link is slowly moved by tension on the drogue bridle to operate a release. The release operates to release the drogue chute and to deploy the main chute. The movement of the hydraulic link provides a time delay between deployment of the drogue chute and the main chute to allow the load to stabilize before deployment of the main chute.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve the safety of static line parachute jumping are disclosed. According to the method, a safety device situated on a jumper continuously or periodically senses the distance of the jumper from the jumping platform (e.g. an aircraft). The safety device compares this distance to a predetermined distance threshold. When the distance between the jumper and the jumping platform reaches or exceeds the predetermined distance threshold, the safety device enables the reserve parachute deployment device which automatically deploys the reserve parachute if at such time the jumper's rate-of-descent is at or greater than a predetermined rate-of-descent threshold. Thus, the apparatus enables its reserve parachute deployment portion when the jumper is at least a predetermined distance from the jumping platform.

Abstract: A novel parachute slider reefing process enhancement is presented that is distinguished by being significantly less dependent on aerodynamic forces than its predecessors and can, therefore, be designed to perform in a much more precise and predictable manner. This unique means of prolonging the effective reefing time of a parachute reefing slider means consists of adding a cord that extends downward from the lower region of the parachute canopy, to terminate near the lower end of the suspension network, along with a restriction means, to act in conjunction with the cord, to extend the reefed time interval beyond that which is typically provided by aerodynamic forces acting on the slider body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve the safety of static line parachute jumping are disclosed. According to the method, a safety device situated on a jumper continuously or periodically senses the distance of the jumper from the jumping platform (e.g. an aircraft). The safety device compares this distance to a predetermined distance threshold. When the distance between the jumper and the jumping platform reaches or exceeds the predetermined distance threshold, the safety device enables the reserve parachute deployment device which automatically deploys the reserve parachute if at such time the jumper's rate-of-descent is at or greater than a predetermined rate-of-descent threshold. Thus, the apparatus enables its reserve parachute deployment portion when the jumper is at least a predetermined distance from the jumping platform.

Abstract: A device, system and method of reserve parachute deployment comprised of a body with a top and bottom end, a hook-slot and releasable means of attachment in communication with the hook-slot. The system and method disclose additional components and an operation of the system such that upon cutting-away a malfunctioned main parachute, the invention allows the main parachute to be the anchor in the sky to deploy the reserve parachute with no further input from the operator, while if the reserve parachute is activated without cutting-away a main parachute, the invention allows the reserve pilot chute to deploy in the convention manner with no further input from the operator.

Abstract: A parachute has a canopy and rigging lines with skirt assist lines connected between a point on each rigging line adjacent a lower edge of the canopy and a point on the interior of the canopy spaced from the lower edge. The arrangement is such that a portion of the canopy between the point and the lower edge is relieved of tension as the canopy is deployed to assist the opening of the canopy. The skirt assist lines are frangible. This prevents rapid deployment of the canopy to lower g-forces on the load in high speed opening.

Abstract: A miniature, unmanned aircraft having a parachute which deploys automatically under certain conditions. The aircraft has a flight control system based on remotely generated signals, potentially achieves relatively high altitude flight for a remotely controlled aircraft, and can thus operate well beyond line-of-sight control. For safety, an automatically deployed parachute system is provided. The parachute deployment system includes a folded parachute and a propulsion system for expelling the parachute from the aircraft. Preferably, a microprocessor for flight management sends intermittent inhibitory signals to prevent unintended deployment. A deployment signal is generated, illustratively, when the microprocessor fails, when engine RPM fall below a predetermined threshold, and when the aircraft strays from predetermined altitude and course.

Abstract: A hydraulic mechanism is positioned within the drogue bridle of a parachute system. The hydraulic link is slowly moved by tension on the drogue bridle to operate a release. The release operates to release the drogue chute and to deploy the main chute. The movement of the hydraulic link provides a time delay between deployment of the drogue chute and the main chute to allow the load to stabilize before deployment of the main chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching all stands or risers of a parachute canopy to a parachutist includes two interlocking plates. The plates incorporate a fulcrum, lever, and alignment tabs, which decrease the amount of force required by the parachutist to release the canopy and hold the plates in position.

Abstract: A parachute system operable with a drogue parachute includes a bridle and kill line connected to a deployment bag at one end and to the drogue parachute at another. The bridle includes a stop carried within the parachute container for suspension of the parachute container by the drogue parachute during free fall. A plate is carried within the parachute container for securing the stop when the flaps are in a locked and closed position by a closing member and ripcord. The ripcord includes a ripcord pin and a ripcord line passing through an eyelet of the ripcord pin and attached at a fixed end to the parachute container for providing a pulley effect and thus a mechanical advantage when the free end of the ripcord is pulled. The ripcord further includes left and right lines carried within a housing and an elastic cord between their free ends for biasing ripcord handles against the ripcord housing.

Abstract: A cruise missile, such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, is adapted to deploy decoys in an area as the missile progresses along its preprogrammed course. Each decoy is shaped to be compatible with and ejected from the Tomahawk and has a preprogrammed control unit operating a transmitter connected to an extendible antenna. False beacon signals and/or false message signals are transmitted from each of the decoys to deceive and confuse defensive forces, such as enemy searchers looking for a downed airman.

Abstract: A variable release system comprising a first catch, a second catch, and a container containing at least a portion of each catch. A cord is coupled to the first catch to allow the first catch to be moved from the container. The second catch is releasably coupled to the first catch to draw the second catch out of the container as the cord pulls the first catch out of the container. The second catch is constructed so as to cause the second catch to engage the container and substantially prevent dislodgement relative thereto once the first catch has been removed. Preferably, the system is operable in the reverse so that if the second catch, is removed from the container, the first catch becomes engaged to the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parachute release device provided to be mounted on a parachute, which parachute is provided to be attached to an object. The device has a data processing system having a release signal output and a memory provided for storing data. The data processing system is provided for generating a release signal for opening a parachute. The device further has altitude determining device connected to said data processing system and provided for determining altitude values; and time determination means provided for determining the free fall duration as from the start of the dive. The memory is provided for storing a plurality of series of theoretical dive data, said theoretical dive data indicating for each distance value a corresponding theoretical time. The data processing system is further provided for selecting a series of theoretical dive data in function of the determined altitude values and the determined free fall duration.

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 bi-directional pilot parachute release assembly (10) for use with a conventional parachute arrangement (100) including a dual compartment parachute enclosure member (101) having an upper compartment (102) and a lower compartment (103) provided with a bottom panel (104) that is operatively associated with a pilot parachute member (40) dimensioned to be received in a storage unit (11) including a storage panel member (20) having an elongated generally centrally disposed mouth opening (23). The top of the pilot parachute member (40) is provided with a cap member (50) having widely spaced opposite ends (51) provided with hand grip elements (52) that will allow the pilot parachute member (40) to be withdrawn from the storage unit (11) in either a right handed or left handed fashion.

Abstract: A large scale parafoil apparatus which makes use of an energy attenuator positioned between the initially deployed drogue parachute and the parafoil for controlling the initial stages of deployment thereof and significantly reducing rebound to enhance the deployment of the parafoil canopy in an orderly manner with the suspension lines thereof extending from the canopy to the load retained therebelow being maintained under continual tension during canopy deployment for enhancing rapid and full deployment thereof. The energy attenuating device is a ripstitch modulator having preferably multiple ripstitch sections for gradually decreasing the force resistant to separating the drogue from the parafoil and ultimately completely separating to allow full deployment of the parafoil canopy. The parafoil canopy defines a plurality of air cells with one main air cell being deployed in the lateral central location thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-drag/high-speed pilot chute which is attached to a bridle cord, and a high-drag/low-speed pilot chute which is attached with a weak link to the bridle cord. In a low-speed deployment scenario, the high-drag pilot chute provides enough drag to deploy the canopy quickly. However, if the deployment speed is high enough, the force from the high-drag pilot chute will exceed the strength of the weak link and break it. This separates the high-drag pilot chute from the rest of the assembly. The low-drag/high-speed pilot chute then continues deploying the parachute, effectively protecting the parachute and its cargo from the ill effects of having too much pilot chute force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the extraction and unfolding of the reserve parachute employable both for a ventral and a dorsal configuration. The system provides for the forced extraction of the reserve parachute by the main parachute, and an auxiliary harness to maintain the main parachute connected to the parachutist also after an anomalous situation arises without interference with the reserve parachute. The system also includes an assembly for the forced extraction and unfolding of the reserve parachute in case of a non-opening or failed extraction of the main parachute.

Abstract: A separable cord connection structure of a parachute, wherein it has a separable cord 11 for being anchored to the airplane via or not via a static cord, a main cord 13 unreleasably fastened to the canopy top of the parachute, and a deployment bag 5 for packing said parachute, and said separable cord 11 has two loops of separable cords 112,113 formed to face each other, and on the other hand, two intersecting coupling loops 141, 142 are formed across one upper end to the other upper end fastened thereto on the side of the separable cord of said deployment bag, characterized in that a rigid pin 12 passes through the loops of the two separable cords, further, passing through the loops formed by the intersection of said coupling loops, further, passing through a metallic guide in the separable cords, and one end part is temporarily fastened to the separable cords, the other end part is connected to the main cord, and said main cord has a branch 131, and said branch is fastened to the pack.

Abstract: A parachute releasing apparatus is operable with a reserve static line for automatically releasing one riser after failure of a second riser, thus avoiding entanglement of the main parachute with the reserve parachute. First and second risers of the main parachute are releasably attached to a harness through quick releases devices for each riser. The reserve static line is connected between the first riser of the main parachute and a deployment pin of the reserve parachute. A connection is made between the first riser of the main parachute and the quick release device of the second riser for automatically releasing the second riser from the harness prior to the reserve static line deploying the reserve parachute. Thus, the main parachute is released from the harness before the reserve parachute deploys and avoids entanglement of the failed main parachute with the reserve parachute.

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 parafoil assembly includes a canopy having a plurality of generally parel inflatable cells and suspension lines extending from opposite sides of each of the cells toward a central area beneath the canopy when the canopy is fully deployed. At least one selected group of the suspension lines is reefed. A loop retains the reefed suspension lines and a cutter is mounted onto the loop and is adapted to cut the loop to release the reefed suspension lines. Upon initial deployment, non-reefed suspension lines are free to extend to permit full deployment of their respective cells, while the reefed suspension lines prevent full deployment of their respective cells. Upon activation of the cutter, the reefed suspension lines are released so as to disreef to permit extension thereof and full deployment of cells connected thereto.

Abstract: A method for automatic resetting of a timer according to the exit time when an item starts descending from a flying object. The resetting is based on a number of altitude values, which are continuously measured by performing air pressure measurements or position measurements. Furthermore, a microprocessor based apparatus implementing said method is described. The timer can be used for activating an external mechanical or electrical apparatus e.g. a canopy or an audible warning device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parachute release device comprising a data processing and acceleration determining means connected to said data processing system and provided for determining an acceleration parameter indicating the acceleration of a falling object to which the parachute is attached, said data processing system being provided for calculating from said acceleration parameter and a jump duration time an instant speed and an instant height value, and for generating a release signal for opening said parachute when said instant height value reaches an opening height value.

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 parachute deployment system having a pack with an attached parachute and a detachably coupled handle. The handle is used to activate the deployment system by physically opening the pack via an internal rip cord pin in communication therewith. Further, the handle is used to pull a pilot bag, which holds the parachute, from the pack and into the air stream. The pilot bag provides sufficient drag for effectively deploying the parachute therefrom.

Abstract: The invention is a compressed gas rocket apparatus for deployment of emergency parachutes, rescue lines and similar payloads. A pressurized vessel is equipped with a stopping or sealing mechanism which, when removed or punctured, causes the pressure vessel to be launched. A drag line connected to the vessel pulls the payload away from the launch point, in the direction of the pressure vessel travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the opening of skydiver's parachute by another skydiver, instantaneously and without physical contact between them, is provided. The device provides a skydiver with the means of generating radio frequency signals, and provides a second skydiver with the means to process those signals and trigger a parachute opening mechanism that opens the parachute of the second skydiver. This invention provides the ability for a more experienced skydiver such as an instructor, to open the parachute of a lesser experienced skydiver, such as a student. In addition, this device can also be used in the activation of a parachute opening mechanism that it attached to any entity accompanying a skydiver in freefall.

Abstract: An environmentally-sealed parachute deployment system for bail-out parachutes comprising a spring-loaded pilot parachute, an environmentally sealed vacuum bag, a deployment bag having one or two elastic closure loops, and a man-rated parachute. The drag force exerted by the pilot parachute tears open the environmentally sealed bag, initiating deployment of the parachute.

Abstract: A self-staging parachute apparatus including a drogue parachute and a main parachute each encapsulated in a respective packing bag with the main parachute packing bag defining a side pocket through which a specialized retention bridle extends from the suspension lines of the drogue chute directly to a load line connected to the load. The load thus utilizes a single point of attachment for both the drogue parachute and the main parachute with the retention bridle of the drogue parachute in movable engagement extending through the pocket of the main parachute deployment bag. The main parachute and drogue parachute when packed are designed to form a generally cylindrical shape which is adapted to be easily placed within cylindrical payloads such as flares or the like to facilitate deployment thereof after the rocket motor has been separated.

Abstract: A deceleration device for a submunition unit ejectable from a spin stabilized carrier projectile includes a deployable deceleration element. The deceleration element is packaged in textile package including an essentially circular disc, at least three straps connected and arranged radially to the disc, with each strap having a free end and provided with a loop and a closing line received through the loops for pulling the loops together to close the package about the deceleration element. An activation line is connected to the closing line and held by the textile package for releasing the closing line for allowing the package to open for deployment of the deceleration element after the activation line is released from the package by being stretched in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A pin puller for use in an automatic activation system for initiating the deployment of a parachute includes a small pyrotechnic actuator comprised essentially of a piston and cylinder. The cylinder includes a bracket through which the ripcord pin extends and which passes through the parachute pack closing loop. A thrust plate is carried by the forward end of the piston and is adapted to engage the loop. When the actuator is fired, the piston is prevented from moving forward by its engagement with the loop whereby the cylinder moves rearwardly withdrawing the pin from the loop. The entire pin puller assembly is carried on the exterior of the pack and is supported essentially by the interaction of the pin with the loop.

Abstract: A submunition unit provided with a rotary parachute (3) as the sole parachute. The parachute, after release, initially is unable to be fully deployed due to reef loops (16) provided on the rigging lines (15) and held by a releasable holding device arrangement (4, 5, 6) and therefore acts as a deceleration and stabilization parachute at high flight velocities. The reef loops (16) are released after a predetermined period of time to permit the rigging lines (15) to fully extend and parachute (3) to become fully deployed or opened.

Abstract: A parachute associated with an object unfolds faster in an airstream if the object is first accelerated in the direction of descent. This principle can be applied advantageously to a mine system combating military targets from the air because the time between starting from an ambush position in the terrain to the onset of searching movements in the air can be shortened.

Abstract: A life parachute including a canopy formed of pieces of fabric sewed together, sheaths extending from the center of the canopy in a spoke-wise manner, and an inflatable envelope connected to a compressed gas container by way of a conduit. The inflatable envelope has a main body in the center thereof and legs extending spoke-wisely from the periphery of the main body; the legs and the main body are interconnected and inflatable. The number of legs is equal to that of the sheaths. The free ends of the legs are inserted into the corresponding sheaths and then secured onto the canopy so that the main body of the inflatable envelope can be maintained at the central portion of the canopy.

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: The invention concerns a releasing mechanism for a parachute which is stowed in a container held closed by a safety string against the pulling force of a preloaded spring. This safety string is fixed to a container and can be released by action of an energy storage, e.g. a detonator or a preloaded spring. The energy set free by controlled ignition or triggering can either destroy or release the safety string.

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 parachute assembly and method for the controlled airdrop of a payload is isclosed. The parachute assembly includes a cluster of parachutes and a control means. Each parachute in the cluster includes a canopy, a plurality of reefing rings attached to the skirt portion of the canopy and a plurality of suspension lines that are attached to the skirt portion at their one end and attachable to a payload at their other end. The control means comprises a common member disposed between and intermediate to each parachute, a plurality of control lines that are threaded through a plurality of the reefing rings on confronting skirt portions of each of two parachutes, and at least one control loop for each control line, which control loop is breakable under tension forces generated at the skirt portion during canopy opening. The method for controlling canopy release and opening of clustered parachutes comprises releasing the clustered parachutes from a single deployment bag.

Abstract: The deployment system includes a pilot chute and a bridle wherein the bridle is secured at one end to the forward portion of a parachute canopy. The bridle extends through a rear portion of the canopy. Prior to deployment, the deployment bag is packed such that the forward and rear portions of the canopy lie closely adjacent one another to fully extend the bridle pilot chute from the main canopy. Upon deployment, relative front-to-back opening forces of the parachute displace the front and rear portions of the parachute away from one another thereby drawing the bridle within the canopy and the pilot chute into a closely snugged location to the canopy.

Abstract: The reserve parachute is folded and disposed in a covering. A pilot chute overlies the reserve parachute outside of the covering. A disc overlies the pilot chute and bears against a compression spring maintained under compression by a single centrally positioned cord connected between the disc and a single release pin on the opposite side of the covering. The cord extends centrally through the compression spring and is connected centrally of the disc. Handling, packing and releasing of the reserve parachute and deployment of the pilot chute is thereby simplified.

Abstract: A parachute deployment actuator incorporating an aneroid with a relatively long strike results in a significant diminution in the degree of precision with which the associated parts have to be made. A spring is provided externally of the aneroid in such relationship as to augment the natural spring force tending to expand the aneroid, such spring operating not only to keep the aneroid off its internal stop at sea level but also to cause the overall system to have a desired spring rate. A variable lever system inter-relates a preprinted scale and associated altitude cam with the aneroid in such relationship that the parachute actuator will release the chute very near a pre-set altitude.