GB782667A - Improvements in or relating to connections for connecting and disconnecting a parachute to and from its load - Google Patents

Abstract

782,667. Hooks; time-delayed fastenings. NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. Dec. 7, 1954 [Sept. 17, 1953], No. 25765/53. Classes 44 and 89(2) [Also in Group XXI] A hook-device for connecting and disconnecting a load to and from a parachute, comprises a body 1 with end-cap 2 and sidearms 2b, between which is pivoted hook 4 to engage a load-link 7 and encased by a cover 21. The load tends to turn the hook to release link 7 but is prevented by the hook abutting a trip-lever 9 which is urged by a spring 14 to release the hook, and which engages, by a detent 15, a stop 16. Stop 16 is attached to a time-delay mechanism, e.g. a dashpot, or a gear-driven escapement 17, which includes a pallet and is actuated by a spring 19 through a stationary screw 34 engaging the threaded bore of the first gear of the escapement. The hook-device is loaded by removing a cover 21 and hook 4 with pivot 5, rotating lever 9 against spring 14, pulling down stop 16, engaging detent 15 in recess 18 of the stop, replacing the hook with link 7 in position and finally replacing cover 21. In use, the sudden force as the parachute opens causes lever 9 to turn slightly and move detent 15 out of recess 18, whereupon spring 19 moves mechanism 17 through clearance 34a between a crew 34 and cap 2. Thus, detent 15 can no longer engage recess 18 and spring 19 causes operation of mechanism 17 which ultimately abuts cap 2 with stop 16 clear of lever 9. In this condition, the hook will remain closed so long as the drag exceeds the force of spring 14, but lever 9 will trip when spring 14 predominates, whereupon any drag will turn hook 4 anti-clockwise and release link 7.