Manley C Butler

US Patent:

58906789, Apr 6, 1999

Filed:

May 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/859212

Inventors:

Manley C. Butler - Roanoke VA

Assignee:

Butler Aerospace Technologies, Inc. - Roanoke VA

International Classification:

B64D 1736

US Classification:

244152

Abstract:

A round conventional parachute is shown with a small auxiliary canopy for controlling the inflation characteristics of the main canopy, especially large generally axisymmetrical canopies for heavy payloads. The main canopy has a central vent at the apex, and suspension lines descend from the lower edge or skirt of the canopy to risers or harness. The small auxiliary canopy is slidably attached to the suspension lines between the main canopy and the harness. The auxiliary canopy includes a generally hemispherical central inner section made of a low air permeable material and a generally annular flat outer section made of a high air permeable material, preferably one offering little or no resistance to air flow therethrough. The outer section is provided with spaced fittings around the periphery to slidably receive individual suspension lines therethrough. When packed, the auxiliary canopy is located near the mouth of the main canopy to control the shape of the mouth of the main canopy during opening but slides down the suspension lines as the main canopy fully inflates thereby controlling the opening sequence.