GB663075A - Improvements in or relating to parachute devices - Google Patents

Abstract

663,075. Parachutes. FRIEDEH, L.P .June 18, 1948 [June 21,1947], No. 16432/48. Addition to 620,731. Class 4. A parachute apparatus according to the parent Specification which includes means for releasing the parachutes in desired sequence, includes means responsive to occurrence of a predetermined condition at a determinable time subsequent to the deployment of the first parachute, for releasing the subsequent parachute. When applied to a pilotless aircraft or projectile the multiple parachute pack is housed within the fuselage in a compartment bounded by a detachable outer panel 26 and fixed partitions 45, 46 and is subdivided into two spaces 51. 52 by a releasable partition 50. A small parachute 30 is housed between the panel 26 and the partition 50 and is connected by a load line to a connector 32 which is connected to the projectile and the main parachute 40. The door 26 is retained by a catch operated by a solenoid which is energised by the closing of a switch controlled by a further solenoid from a signal receiver and amplifier. Ejection of the parachute 30 sets a time delay mechanism 110 in motion which, after a predetermined time, closes the contacts 112 to energise a rotary solenoid 100 to release, through arms and links 95, 94, 92, a trigger 90 to permit a rod 61 to rotate under the action of a spring 107 to free the upper edge of the partition 50 to release the parachute 40, which is ejected by elastic cords 132. Should it be necessary to release the parachute 40 before the time delay interval has elapsed or to release both parachutes in the event of the aircraft getting into difficulties a solenoid 140 closes a pair of contacts 141, 142 to cause both releasing circuits to operate, actuation of the solenoid 140 being effected by a. further signal receiving device. To enable the parachute 40 to be released at a predetermined altitude the time delay device 110 may be replaced by a barometric device. In an alternative arrangement, Fig. 13, which may be used for dropping supplies, a number of parachutes are packed in containers attached to the load and arranged to be released sequentially. The first parachute 205 is attached to the load 200 by a cord 222 and is released from its container 201 by a static line secured to the aircraft structure. A cord 226 and pin 227 attached to the cord 222 sets a time delay device 228 on the second container 202 in motion to release the second parachute after a predetermined time interval. The remaining parachutes are released from the containers 203, 204 in similar manner. The parachute canopies are stated to be hemispherical.