A suspension line assembly for a parachute may comprise a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, and a dampening riser coupled to the confluence, wherein the dampening riser comprises a first length in the stowed position and the dampening riser is configured to extend to a second length in a deployed position in response to a tensile force applied to the dampening riser.

A drogue parachute system for a spacecraft includes a first parachute that is inflatable, at least one inflating device that is connected to the first parachute and can inflate the first parachute, a first set of connection lines, an extension device, a second set of connection lines, a second parachute and a third set of connection lines. Each connection line of the first set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the first parachute and the spacecraft. Each connection line of the second set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the extension device and the first parachute. Each connection line of the third set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the second parachute and the extension device. The first parachute fully deployed is reverse umbrella-shaped with respect to the spacecraft.

A drogue parachute system for a spacecraft includes a first parachute that is inflatable, at least one inflating device that is connected to the first parachute and can inflate the first parachute, a first set of connection lines, an extension device, a second set of connection lines, a second parachute and a third set of connection lines. Each connection line of the first set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the first parachute and the spacecraft. Each connection line of the second set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the extension device and the first parachute. Each connection line of the third set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the second parachute and the extension device. The first parachute fully deployed is reverse umbrella-shaped with respect to the spacecraft.

An aircraft ejection seat assembly is disclosed where a survival kit is incorporated into a seat back of an ejection seat, and that is released from the ejection seat by one or more actuators. The survival kit is attached to the parachute lines. One or more retention pins may secure the survival kit relative to the seat back. Representative actuators that may be used to move the retention pin(s) to a release configuration including mechanical (e.g., a bell crank), electrical (e.g., a controller such as a MASS), or pressurized fluid.

An aircraft ejection seat assembly is disclosed where a survival kit is incorporated into a seat back of an ejection seat, and that is released from the ejection seat by one or more actuators. The survival kit is attached to the parachute lines. One or more retention pins may secure the survival kit relative to the seat back. Representative actuators that may be used to move the retention pin(s) to a release configuration including mechanical (e.g., a bell crank), electrical (e.g., a controller such as a MASS), or pressurized fluid.

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

A life preserver head restraint may be configured to inflate in response to deployment of a parachute assembly. The life preserver head restraint may comprise an inflatable volume and a charge tank fluidly coupled to the inflatable volume. In an inflated state, the life preserver head restraint may restrict head movement during line stretch of the parachute assembly.

A life preserver head restraint may be configured to inflate in response to deployment of a parachute assembly. The life preserver head restraint may comprise an inflatable volume and a charge tank fluidly coupled to the inflatable volume. In an inflated state, the life preserver head restraint may restrict head movement during line stretch of the parachute assembly.

A suspension line assembly for a parachute may comprise a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, and a dampening riser coupled to the confluence, wherein the dampening riser comprises a first length in the stowed position and the dampening riser is configured to extend to a second length in a deployed position in response to a tensile force applied to the dampening riser.