Apparatus for simultaneously disreefing a centrally reefed clustered parachute system
A single multi-line cutter is connected to each of a cluster of parachutes by a separate short tether line that holds the parachutes, initially reefed by closed loop reefing lines, close to one another. The closed loop reefing lines and tether lines, one from each parachute, are disposed within the cutter to be simultaneously cut by its actuation when a central line attached between the payload and the cutter is stretched upon deployment of the cluster. A pyrotechnic or electronic time delay may be included in the cutter to delay the actual simultaneous cutting of all lines until the clustered parachutes attain a measure of stability prior to being disreefed. A second set of reefing lines and second tether lines may be provided for each parachute, to enable a two-stage, separately timed, step-by-step disreefing. 13 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4752050; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 6-922425
- OSTI ID:
- 7164545
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 23 Oct 1986
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Apparatus for simultaneously disreefing a centrally reefed clustered parachute system
Apparatus for simultaneously disreefing a centrally reefed clustered parachute system