A parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. Some versions of the parafoil comprise flexible members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are deformed, storing elastic energy. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members spring back to their undeformed shapes, thereby opening or assisting with opening the canopy. The flexible member may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes that can be flexed using a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate, so that the ends connected to the canopy are restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.

A parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. Some versions of the parafoil comprise flexible members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are deformed, storing elastic energy. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members spring back to their undeformed shapes, thereby opening or assisting with opening the canopy. The flexible member may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes that can be flexed using a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate, so that the ends connected to the canopy are restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.

A suspension line assembly for a parachute assembly, comprising a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, a first riser extending between the confluence and a first attachment location disposed on a first strap, a second riser extending between the confluence and a second attachment location disposed on a second strap and a cradle disposed between the first riser and the second riser.

A suspension line assembly for a parachute assembly, comprising a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, a first riser extending between the confluence and a first attachment location disposed on a first strap, a second riser extending between the confluence and a second attachment location disposed on a second strap and a cradle disposed between the first riser and the second riser.

An air delivery barrel system is described, the air delivery barrel system includes a strap system that provides line stretch of the strap system when a force is exerted on the strap system, the strap system including a continuous strap, a first barrel, the first barrel being formed out of a cylindrically shaped wall and the cylindrically shaped wall including a channel that the strap system passes through, an end cap, the end cap being detachably connectable to a bottom end of the first barrel, the end cap protecting a bottom portion of the strap system, a lid, the lid being detachably connectable to a top end of the first barrel, the lid including a recess through which the strap system passes through, and a second barrel that can be situated within the first barrel and the cylindrically shaped wall of the first barrel protects the second barrel.

Methods of reducing wing type parachute opening shock during a parachute drop, and parachute systems with reduced opening shocks are disclosed, the opening force reduction is achieved by dynamic braking, i.e. dynamically adjusting the canopy control lines during the inflation stage of the canopy. Typically, the control lines are set to zero brake length when the parachute canopy is released from the deployment bag, and are at least shortened during the inflation stage, optionally all the way to full brake. Optionally the control lines are also lengthened prior to completion of the canopy inflation. Other features and parachute systems are also disclosed.

Methods of reducing wing type parachute opening shock during a parachute drop, and parachute systems with reduced opening shocks are disclosed, the opening force reduction is achieved by dynamic braking, i.e. dynamically adjusting the canopy control lines during the inflation stage of the canopy. Typically, the control lines are set to zero brake length when the parachute canopy is released from the deployment bag, and are at least shortened during the inflation stage, optionally all the way to full brake. Optionally the control lines are also lengthened prior to completion of the canopy inflation. Other features and parachute systems are also disclosed.

An aircraft ejection system is provided. The aircraft ejection system may comprise a seat, a bridle coupled to the seat, suspension lines coupled to the bridle, and a drogue canopy coupled to the suspension lines. A first side of the drogue canopy may have a lower drag than a second side of the drogue canopy. The first side may comprise a mesh portion and/or an opening to reduce drag. The first side may further include a low-resistance structure with a circular or rectangular geometry. The bridle and the suspension lines may be configured to direct the first side in a predetermined direction, such as downward.

An aircraft ejection system is provided. The aircraft ejection system may comprise a seat, a bridle coupled to the seat, suspension lines coupled to the bridle, and a drogue canopy coupled to the suspension lines. A first side of the drogue canopy may have a lower drag than a second side of the drogue canopy. The first side may comprise a mesh portion and/or an opening to reduce drag. The first side may further include a low-resistance structure with a circular or rectangular geometry. The bridle and the suspension lines may be configured to direct the first side in a predetermined direction, such as downward.

A high-rise building escape apparatus enables user to quickly exit a high-rise building in the event of an emergency. It mainly includes a damper which withstands impact of termination of descent and decreases terminal velocity due to its mushroomlike shape, a compartment, side and bottom nets, a parachute, an air source system, hoses, rotatable and fix frames, and a safety belt. The apparatus is operated following the procedure below. A user sets up the fix frame and rotatable frame attaching the dropping parts on the sill of a window or on the top of a balcony, makes the rotatable frame swing to the outside, opens the dropping part pack, fills the high pressure air to the airbags simultaneously through a number of internal hoses and an external hose, and disconnects the hoses. The user then moves from the inside of the building to the compartment in the middle of the damper through the rotatable frame with hands grabbing it, reaches the bottom portion of the compartment, fastens the safety belt, and releases the dropping parts. As a result, the user will move down with the damper, the parachute will be extended, released, and deployed, and the rotatable frame will rotate back. As soon as the user reaches the ground, the user will unbuckle the safety belt, get out of the damper, and release the high pressure air.