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Parafoil mid-air retrieval

  • US 6,824,102 B2
  • Filed: 03/10/2003
  • Issued: 11/30/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A mid-air retrieval system including a payload;

  • a parafoil;

    said parafoil comprising a canopy, multiple suspension lines and multiple payload risers;

    said canopy having a leading edge and a trailing edge;

    each said suspension line having two ends;

    each said payload riser having two ends;

    each said first suspension line end being attached to said canopy;

    each said second suspension line end being attached to said first payload riser end;

    each said second payload riser end being attached to said payload;

    a retrieval-line attached to said parafoil;

    a helicopter;

    a load-line having two ends;

    said first load-line end attached to said helicopter at a provided external cargo hook;

    said load line second end being attached to an engagement hook;

    said helicopter being flown toward said parafoil, said parafoil in gliding flight, supporting said payload and trailing said retrieval-line;

    said helicopter then engaging said retrieval line with said engagement hook;

    said helicopter then flying forward and upward until said payload is suspended under said helicopter, and said trailing retrieval line can have two ends;

    the first said retrieval-line end being attached to the said first ends of said payload risers;

    the second said retrieval-line end being attached to a drogue parachute; and

    said retrieval line being routed from said first end upward to said leading edge of said canopy, over the top surface of said canopy, and trailing aft, stabilized by said drogue parachute, the invention comprising;

    said trailing retrieval line having two ends;

    the first said retrieval-line end being attached to said payload risers at locations between said first end and said second end;

    cutter devices being attached to each said payload riser above the locations of said retrieval line attachment to said payload risers;

    said cutter devices being triggered by increasing tension on said retrieval line;

    said cutters severing said payload risers when triggered;

    the second said retrieval-line end being attached to a drogue parachute; and

    said retrieval line being routed from said first end upward to said leading edge of said canopy, over the top surface of said canopy, and trailing aft, stabilized by said drogue parachute.

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