US 12,286,233 B2
Parachute assemblies with multi-stage reefing
Jeff Benjamin, Colorado Springs, CO (US); and Kassidy L Carson, Colorado Springs, CO (US)
Assigned to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC., Cedar Rapids, IA (US)
Filed by Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA (US)
Filed on Sep. 2, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/902,735.
Prior Publication US 2024/0076045 A1, Mar. 7, 2024
Int. Cl. B64D 17/34 (2006.01); B64D 17/02 (2006.01); B64D 17/38 (2006.01)
CPC B64D 17/343 (2013.01) [B64D 17/02 (2013.01); B64D 17/386 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A parachute assembly, comprising:
a parachute canopy;
a first reefing line disposed adjacent an edge of the parachute canopy to restrict inflation of the parachute canopy;
a second reefing line comprising a reefing line insert coupled between a first portion of the first reefing line and a second portion of the first reefing line; and
a first cutter configured to break the second reefing line in response to a passing of a first elapsed period of time after a first triggering event, wherein breaking the second reefing line causes a lengthening of the first reefing line.