A device for securing at least one sling for transporting a load under a helicopter, the securing device comprising at least a first strap and at least a second strap, a connection mechanism configured, in the closed state, to connect the straps, to form a comprehensive security strap capable of supporting a sling and, in the open state, to release the straps for releasing the sling, and an actuator configured to open the connection mechanism following a mechanical effort being introduced, the connection mechanism comprising cascading reduction means configured to reduce the resistance force during the opening of the connection mechanism generated by the load connected to the sling.

A device to orient a riser of a parachute. The device can include a twist body that is includes a slot through which the riser passes. The slot includes a twist to change the orientation of the riser from a relatively high-profile orientation to a relatively low-profile orientation. The device can also include a link to connect the riser to the suspension lines on the canopy.

A device to orient a riser of a parachute. The device can include a twist body that is includes a slot through which the riser passes. The slot includes a twist to change the orientation of the riser from a relatively high-profile orientation to a relatively low-profile orientation. The device can also include a link to connect the riser to the suspension lines on the canopy.

A device to orient a riser of a parachute. The device can include a twist body that is includes a slot through which the riser passes. The slot includes a twist to change the orientation of the riser from a relatively high-profile orientation to a relatively low-profile orientation. The device can also include a link to connect the riser to the suspension lines on the canopy.

A drone is operated by a sky diver. The drone is interfaced to a parachute pack worn by the sky diver. The sky diver has a device (e.g. smartphone, smartwatch) that communicates with the drone to initiate launch/lift and to release the sky diver. In some embodiments, after the sky diver is released, the drone maneuvers around the sky diver to capture pictures/video of the sky diver. In some embodiments, safety features are included to assure the drone has sufficient battery power to achieve a safe jump altitude above ground level and to assure the release is not made until the drone achieves that safe jump altitude.

A drone is operated by a sky diver. The drone is interfaced to a parachute pack worn by the sky diver. The sky diver has a device (e.g. smartphone, smartwatch) that communicates with the drone to initiate launch/lift and to release the sky diver. In some embodiments, after the sky diver is released, the drone maneuvers around the sky diver to capture pictures/video of the sky diver. In some embodiments, safety features are included to assure the drone has sufficient battery power to achieve a safe jump altitude above ground level and to assure the release is not made until the drone achieves that safe jump altitude.

A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.

A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.

An inflatable head restraint system for a parachute assembly may comprise an inflatable volume configured to inflate in response to a deployment of the parachute assembly. The inflatable volume may be located between a left shoulder riser and a right shoulder riser of the parachute assembly. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the inflatable volume.

An inflatable head restraint system for a parachute assembly may comprise an inflatable volume configured to inflate in response to a deployment of the parachute assembly. The inflatable volume may be located between a left shoulder riser and a right shoulder riser of the parachute assembly. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the inflatable volume.