Hybrid Parachute
AssigneePioneer Astronautics
InventorNicholas F. Jameson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hybrid parachute, method of deploying a parachute and method of landing a payload. The hybrid parachute utilizes a reefing system that provides for the initial deployment of a deceleration stage that is configured to withstand the stresses of high-speed and/or high altitude openings. The deceleration stage has operating characteristics similar to known high-speed parachutes. After sufficient deceleration has been achieved with the deceleration stage, reefings are released deploying one or more low-speed high drag stages of the device. The high drag stage(s) provide the landing characteristics of a low-speed parachute, including the possibility of controlled descent and landing.
Claims48
A parachute comprising:
- a deceleration stage configured to be deployed initially;
- and
- a high drag stage attached to the deceleration stage wherein the high drag stage is configured to be deployed after the deceleration stage.
A method of deploying a parachute comprising:
- deploying a deceleration stage initially;
- and
- deploying a high drag stage attached to the deceleration stage after deployment of the deceleration stage.
A method of landing a payload comprising:
- attaching the payload to a parachute having more than one stage;
- deploying a deceleration stage initially;
- and
- deploying a high drag stage attached to the deceleration stage after deployment of the deceleration stage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.