Parafoil assembly

US5893536A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• Calvin K. Lee · Needham, US
• John E. Buckley · Oldham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 1998
• Grant date: Apr 13, 1999
• Expiry date: May 28, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D17/36
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.