Patent ID: 8052091
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
1. A cargo parachute release apparatus for connecting a cargo and a parachute, the cargo parachute release apparatus comprising: a.) a mechanical assembly for connecting to the parachute and the cargo, b.) an electronic package assembly including a microprocessor and housed inside the mechanical assembly, c.) the electronic package assembly further including a horizontal accelerometer for detecting horizontal acceleration and sending horizontal acceleration data to the microprocessor, a vertical accelerometer for detecting vertical acceleration and sending vertical acceleration data to the microprocessor, d.) the microprocessor for processing the horizontal acceleration data and vertical acceleration data and comparing the horizontal acceleration data and vertical acceleration data to one or more predetermined stored impact signal parameters, and e.) a firing circuit, wherein the microprocessor sends a firing signal to the firing circuit when the horizontal acceleration data and vertical acceleration data match the one or more predetermined stored impact signal parameters to release the parachute from the parachute release apparatus; wherein the mechanical assembly has an assembly plate and a hinged member hinged to the assembly plate, the hinged member being movable between an open position and a closed position and the assembly plate has a recess and the electronic package assembly is positioned in the recess such that said electronic package assembly is located between the hinged member and assembly plate when the hinged member in the closed position, and wherein the hinged member has release pin receiving formations having bores and the electronic package assembly has release pins that extend into the bores when the hinged member is in the closed position.