A device for unlocking a system for closing a container by means of a tie, such as a rope or strap, in particular a tie tensioned between closing eyelets, includes a cutting tool (O) capable of cutting the tie in order to unlock the closing system. It also includes an actuation member linked to the cutting tool, the actuation member being capable of being manipulated manually by a user in order to cause the cutting tool (O) to move into a position for severing the tie.

This invention relates to the use of an automatic safety parachute deployment system for drones (UAVs), which utilizes an airflow trigger that deploys one or more parachutes under certain aerodynamic conditions from the upward airflow during a flight malfunction. The system is mechanically activated without the use of electronics, batteries or an ejection spring which reduces the complexity and weight.

An ejection launcher is an apparatus that effectively ejects a payload while maintaining a compact structure. The apparatus includes an elongated enclosure, a cover, a trigger mechanism, and a spring-loaded piston. The apparatus further includes a payload, such as a parachute. The elongated enclosure positions and connects the trigger mechanism with the spring-loaded piston. The elongated enclosure also houses the spring-loaded piston. The trigger mechanism releases the spring-loaded piston which forces the payload from within the elongated enclosure. The payload is a desired delivered item and is preferably a parachute. The trigger mechanism and the spring-loaded piston translates horizontal force into vertical force which releases the payload and reduces the release resistance. The trigger mechanism preferably utilizes and includes a servo motor with an output arm. The output arm pushes against a catch plate of the trigger mechanism and releases a catch pin of the spring-loaded piston.

A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.

A rescue package is disclosed which is sized for launching from a moving platform such as an aircraft. The platform having a chute adapted to launch a rescue package which in an embodiment uses a container the same size as a container used to house a convention sonobuoy. The rescue package arrangement includes a container body externally sized and shaped to be launched from a moving platform using a launch tube and contains a main parachute located within the container; a drogue chute associated with the container deployed after deployment from the moving platform and connected to the main parachute by a drogue chute tether; a decelerator chute connected to the container and arranged to deploy with or after the drogue chute is deployed, and a delay mechanism arranged to delay deployment of the main parachute for a period of time after the drogue chute is deployed from the container. The container is adapted to contain a payload including at least one of the group of items: inflatable life raft, potable water, long-life food, matches, handheld light sources, handheld beacons, handheld communication devices, cell batteries, rope, water proof sheet material, blankets, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, containers, utensils, sea-sickness tablets, water bailer, sponges, and wherein the decelerator chute assists the stabilisation of the container during at least a portion of the flight of the container.

A rescue package is disclosed which is sized for launching from a moving platform such as an aircraft. The platform having a chute adapted to launch a rescue package which in an embodiment uses a container the same size as a container used to house a convention sonobuoy. The rescue package arrangement includes a container body externally sized and shaped to be launched from a moving platform using a launch tube and contains a main parachute located within the container; a drogue chute associated with the container deployed after deployment from the moving platform and connected to the main parachute by a drogue chute tether; a decelerator chute connected to the container and arranged to deploy with or after the drogue chute is deployed, and a delay mechanism arranged to delay deployment of the main parachute for a period of time after the drogue chute is deployed from the container. The container is adapted to contain a payload including at least one of the group of items: inflatable life raft, potable water, long-life food, matches, handheld light sources, handheld beacons, handheld communication devices, cell batteries, rope, water proof sheet material, blankets, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, containers, utensils, sea-sickness tablets, water bailer, sponges, and wherein the decelerator chute assists the stabilisation of the container during at least a portion of the flight of the container.

A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.

A riser release system controllably lands a descending flight vehicle having a parafoil or canopy. The system has control lines and riser lines attached to the parafoil or canopy. The other end of the riser lines are attached to an upper portion of a release structure; a lower portion of the release structure is connected to the payload; and a coupling mechanisms releasably couples the upper and lower portions. When the upper and lower portions are decoupled, a distance control device controls and limits the distance of separation between the two portions, and a rate control device controls the rate of separation. Separation causes the riser lines to increase the distance between the payload and canopy, further causing the canopy to flare and decrease the rate of descent of the flight vehicle.

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.