Abstract:
An illumination/marker system mounted on a parachute slider is shown for identification, tracking, and collision avoidance in manned and unmanned parachute operations. The system includes a variety of emission/radiation sources (luminaires), and positioned at pre-determined locations on the parachute slider. A battery provides the power source. System activation means are provided automatically upon deployment of a parachute and/or slider, and/or other sensory inputs such as altitude, motion, time, or photometrics, or manual action, on demand, by the parachutist. System deactivation means provide sensory inputs or on demand by the parachutist.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a visual, infrared, or other wavelength illumination/marker system mounted onto the slider portion of parachute systems for identification, tracking and/or collision avoidance for parachute-borne individuals and parachute-borne aerial delivery loads, manned or unmanned. 
     Previously, visual, infrared, or other wavelength illumination and marking systems for identification, tracking and/or collision avoidance of parachute-borne individuals and/or parachute-borne equipment during night or covert operations have relied on separate, non-integral devices (generally visible and infrared) such as flashlights, strobe lights, beacons, and chemical light sticks which are mounted on parachute-borne personnel, parachute-borne equipment loads, or to the parachute canopy itself. Illumination means for visual identification incorporated in parachute canopies is known in the prior art. 
     This invention mounts an illumination/marker system for identification, tracking and/or collision avoidance on a parachute slider, a feature of most ram-air parachute systems which is designed to increase the reliability of parachute opening and reduce opening forces. The slider is a generally rectangular assembly of strong, lightweight technical cloth, reinforced on its edges and corners to support four large grommets at each corner through which the lines attaching the parachute canopy to the parachutist or aerial delivery load are extended. The slider functions as a method to manage the four sets of parachute lines between the parachute canopy and the parachutist or load and to control the opening of the canopy. In the packed, ready-to-deploy condition, the slider is located well up the four sets of parachute lines and close to the canopy. During inflation of the canopy, the slider is forced down the four sets of parachute lines to an equilibrium point defined by the transition point between the parachute lines and the respective parachute risers which are connected directly to the parachutist or load. This equilibrium point is just above the parachutist or load, and below the parachute canopy. When the slider is fully deployed a barrier is created which can obstruct visible light, infrared (IR), or other radiation from a parachutist-mounted or load-mounted lighting device and obstruct the illumination the parachute canopy. 
     The invention mounts an illumination/marking system onto the slider itself, changing it from a barrier to visible light, infrared (IR), or other wavelength emissions from the parachutist or load to become a platform for the actual source of such emissions in order to facilitate and enhance illumination and marking for identification and tracking by other parachutists or aircraft or ground personnel, and collision avoidance for and by other parachutists or aircraft by providing (a) direct, line-of-sight to the source of the illumination (luminaires), (b) direct illumination of the slider surface itself, and/or (c) direct illumination of the parachute canopy and/or the parachute lines. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide an illumination/marking system mounted onto a slider, either permanently integrated or as a semi-permanent or temporary addition to the slider. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an illumination/marking system which deploys and activates automatically upon inflation of the parachute canopy and/or deployment of the slider, or by other pre-programmed sensory inputs such as altitude, change of motion, or time, or manually by the parachutist. 
     It is another object of the invention is to provide self-contained battery power to the illumination elements of the system (the luminaires) by using a variety of means to switch the battery power circuit from an electrically open circuit (OFF) condition to a closed circuit (ON) condition such means to include but not necessarily be limited to electrical switching means such as mechanical proximity switches, magnetic/reed and Hall Effect switches, and electrical or power contact insulation and/or interruption devices. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an automatic system activation means which causes power to be delivered from the battery to the luminaire(s) as a result of deployment of the parachute or the slider, such means to include but not be limited to (a) pulling the parachute rip-cord to initiate parachute deployment, (b) physical opening of parachute or slider containment means, (c) a short-rigged pull lanyard or tab that pulls out of device when the slider is fully extended from its packed/folded condition, (d) the playing out of parachute lines during canopy opening, and/or (d) strain sensing devices that sense the extension, elongation, or stretching of substrates or lines. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide the ability to activate the system automatically by a variety of sensory inputs including change of motion sensing via on-board accelerometer, altitude sensing via an on-board pressure sensor, settable timers, and photometric (day/night) sensors. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a manual system activation means which causes power to be delivered from the battery to the luminaire(s) as a result of manual action, on demand, by the parachutist, such as pulling an activation tab attached to the slider and/or the installed illumination/marking system. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide one or more illumination sources (luminaires) within the system that emit radiation in the visible, infrared (IR), or other wavelength spectra for marking and recognition by (a) the human eye directly or through enhancement means such as night vision (infrared) devices, or (b) by electronic equipment with sensors designed for acquiring and tracking such emissions/radiations. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide different types of marking and/or identification signals to enable visual or electronic-assisted identification, tracking or collision avoidance including (a) direct emission/radiation from the luminaires, or (b) illumination of the surface defined by the inflated volume of the slider and/or (c) illumination of the parachute canopy and/or its parachute lines. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a battery holder for securing a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery cell or battery assembly to provide power to the luminaires. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a means, such as conductive wires, of transferring power to luminaires that may be remote from the battery. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide electronic circuitry mounted on printed circuit board(s) at the battery, luminaire, and/or other location(s) which provide for and/or facilitate system arming, activation, de-activation, power control, selection of type and format of emission, and any other functions necessary for the intended system operation, function, and mission. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a deactivation feature whereby the system can be disabled or turned OFF either manually by the parachutist or automatically by a variety of means on manned or unmanned parachute operations according to pre-established mission requirements, such means including but not limited to altitude sensing, change of motion sensing (accelerometer), or settable timer. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a variety of means of attachment of the various system elements (e.g, battery, battery holder, printed circuit board(s), luminaire(s), interface wiring, activation means) to the slider in order to properly contain and/or secure those elements for integral/permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary installation in a manner that does not interfere with proper deployment of the parachute and the slider. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide for a variety of means of combining or distributing the various elements of the system (e.g, emission source, power source, control circuitry, and activation means) to form the most viable configuration for the particular equipment on which it is to be installed; such configurations could include but not be limited to (a) separate locations for each element, (b) combinations of one or more elements into one or more location, or (c) complete integration of all elements into one independent device which can be installed in one or locations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an illumination system for identification, marking, and/or tracking mounted on a slider used with certain types of parachutes 
     To attain this, the present invention mounts on a slider of a generally rectangular shape comprised of strong, lightweight technical cloth, reinforced on its edges and corners to support four large grommets at each corner through which lines attaching the parachute canopy to the parachutist and/or aerial delivery load (load) are extended. The grommets are integrally formed within binding formed on the perimeter of the slider. An illumination system comprising one or a plurality of luminaires, emitting radiation in the visible, infrared (IR), and/or other wavelength spectrum, is mounted on the edge binding or other cloth structure of the slider. A luminaire consists of an emission/radiation source such as incandescent, light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent, or electro-luminescent emitters and a protective covering. 
     A main printed circuit board, along with a battery and battery holding means (battery holder), is mounted on the slider juxtaposed preferably the leading or trailing edge of the slider. Activation circuit switching means provide a means for changing the state of the emitter/battery circuit from a normally open circuit (OFF) to a closed circuit (ON) condition. Electrical wiring and other means connect the battery power source, circuits and emission/radiation sources. The electrical wiring is secured and covered in such a manner as to preclude interference with parachute and/or slider during deployment and flight. 
     An electronic circuit located on the printed circuit board(s) provides for emitter function control, emitter intensity control, and power regulation and deactivation or activation circuitry. 
     Mechanical system activation means, such as a short-rigged lanyard connected to a switching means, activate the system upon deployment of the parachute and/or slider, or manually by the parachutist. The switching means causes the battery power circuit to be changed from an open circuit (OFF) condition to a closed circuit (ON) condition. The emitters are turned ON and OFF based upon battery power being applied or removed either directly or by pre-programmed instructions. 
     Automatic system activation means, such as change of motion sensing via an on-board accelerometer, altitude sensing via an on-board pressure sensor, settable timer, photometric (day/night) sensors. 
     Once activated the emission sources on the slider facilitate and enhance visual or electronic marking for identification, collision avoidance or tracking. The system provides different types of visual, infrared (IR), or other wavelength marking and/or identification signals to enable (a) identification and tracking of specific individuals such as the team leader or other team members by other parachutists (b) identification and tracking of manned or unmanned aerial delivery loads relative to other parachutists in the immediate air space, (c) collision avoidance with other parachute-borne individuals and/or aerial delivery loads in the immediate air space, (d) visual or electronic tracking of parachute-borne individuals and/or loads by airborne or ground observers or sensors. There is direct line-of-sight emission from the luminaires; direct illumination of the parachute canopy and/or parachute lines by the upward component of the projected light/emission; direct illumination of the bottom surface of the parachute canopy; bleed-through illumination of the top surface of the parachute canopy and direct or bleed-through illumination of the surface/structures of the slider. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. It should be noted that these drawings represent one embodiment of an illumination, identification, and marking system designed for installation on a parachute slider. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a view of the invention with a parachute canopy partially deployed. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the present invention with the parachute canopy and parachute slider fully deployed. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a power source, an activation tab and a lanyard of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the system activation means of the present invention changing the switching means to a closed circuit. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is another top plan view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a second partial view of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a second partial view of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings  FIGS. 1 to 7 , generally, representative embodiments of the present invention  10  will now be described in greater detail. A slider  12  of a generally rectangular shape comprised of strong, lightweight technical cloth, reinforced on its edges and corners to support four large guide grommets  24  at each corner through which parachute lines  26  and parachute risers  28  attaching to a parachute canopy  14  to the parachutist or aerial delivery load (load) are extended. The grommets  24  are integrally formed within binding formed on the perimeter of the slider  12 . The slider  12  has a main body  16  with edge binding  22 . The slider  12  has a leading edge  18  and a trailing edge  20 . The main body  16  is preferably comprised of fabric. 
     The deployment of the slider  12  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In  FIG. 1  the parachute canopy  14  and the slider  12  are partially deployed. The slider  12  is located close to the canopy  14  in its packed condition prior to deployment, and moves down the lines  26  as the canopy  14  inflates. As shown in  FIG. 2 , as the canopy  14  inflates, the slider  12  moves to an equilibrium point juxtaposed the parachutist or load. During the canopy  14  inflation and slider  12  deployment sequence, the slider  12  extends from a tightly folded and packed condition to a fully extended condition with the leading edge  18  and trailing edge  20  pulled taut by the parachute lines  26  and the main body  16  of the slider inflated by air, much the same as the canopy  14 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the slider during partial deployment with arrow A denoting direction to the parachutist or load, and arrow B denoting direction to the parachute canopy. 
     An illumination system  30  is disposed on the slider  12  at a pre-determined location. The illumination system  30  is comprised of a power source, at least one luminaire  32 , activation circuit switching means and system activation means. The system  30  can be permanently sewn into the edge binding  22  when the slider  12  is made (as illustrated in  FIG. 10 ), be semi-permanently installed (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) or temporarily mounted (as shown in  FIG. 12 ). The system  30  can be disposed on an upper or lower surface juxtaposed the leading edge  18  of the slider  12 , disposed on an upper or lower surface juxtaposed the trailing edge  20  of the slider  12  or disposed on an upper or lower surface of the main body  16  of the slider  12  centrally located. The system  30  and its components are mounted, secured, and/or covered on the slider  12  to insure that there is no interference or entanglement with the slider  12 , the parachute canopy  14 , the parachute lines  26 , or any other piece of equipment within the packed or deployed parachute system. 
     As shown, particularly in  FIGS. 10-12 , the system  30  includes at least one luminaire  32  temporarily positioned on, or permanently integrally formed with, the slider  12 . The luminaire  32  is an emission/radiation source within a protective/containment means or housing which may comprise a base  62  and a lens  64 . An optional luminaire attachment means  34  is permanently engaged between the base  62  and the lens  64 , with the means  34  assisting in securing the luminaire  32 . An emitter light source  68  is disposed in the luminaire  32 . The housing of the luminaire  32  will be clear to provide the most optimum transmission from the emitter light source  68 , and may be configured or treated in such a way as to provide enhanced or specialized transmission from the emitter to enhance visibility and acquisition. The luminaire  32  provides containment and protection of the emitter light source  68  and a safe, protected interface between the emitter and slider  12 . Luminaire light output reflectors or diffusers  66  are positioned juxtaposed the emitter light source  68 . The luminaire  32  further comprises a luminaire printed circuit board  70  which operates in conjunction with or may comprise all of the functions of a main circuit board  48 . Optional features of the luminaire  32  are mounting patches or flanges which facilitate attachment to and security within the slider  12 . 
     Emitter light sources  68  include, but not limited to, incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen-type lamps, visible or near IR (NIR) light-emitting diodes (LED), short, mid, or long wave IR (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) emission sources, chemical light lights, electro-luminescent emitters and emitters in any other detectable wavelength. Emitter design can also include fiber-optic technology whereby multiple light sources on the slider  12  can be fed from a single emitter source. Emitters may be enhanced by focusing devices, such as the reflectors  66  concentrating the light in a more focused beam for enhanced illumination of the canopy. Other emitter augmentation may include diffusers  66  to disperse light into a more omni-directional manner and spacers to orient light in a more desirable direction 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 , a power source comprised of a replaceable or rechargeable battery cell or battery assembly  40  is provided. Power source retention means  42 , including a battery holder  44 , is positioned on the slider  12 . 
     An electrical circuit is located on a printed circuit board  48 . The printed circuit board  48  may be positioned juxtaposed the power source. The electrical circuit can provide a location for one or more of the emitter light sources  68 , emitters function controls, emitter intensity controls, voltage regulation, high frequency oscillation circuits to yield light output with minimal battery drain, and activation and de-activation functions. 
     The power source  38 , circuits and emitters are in electronically connected via connection wires  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a housing  36  is provided for the power source  40 , power source retention means  42  and printed circuit board  48 . 
     Activation circuit switching means provide a means of changing the state of the emitter light sources  68  and power source  40  circuit from a normally open circuit condition to a closed circuit condition upon deployment of the slider  12 . The means could include, but are not limited to, an electrical switch/micro switch or electronic reed/magnet or Hall Effect switch arrangement capable of being activated by mechanical action associated with deployment of the slider  12 , or an insulator between the power source  40  and one of its contacts, the removal allowing a closed circuit (ON) condition. 
     The system  30  is activated by several different modes, and upon a variety of conditions. For instance, the activation may commence upon deployment of the parachute  14  and/or the slider  12 , or other mechanical activity that initiates the deployment of the parachute  14  and/or the slider  12  such as a ripcord or opening of the parachute containment device. One method is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown is  FIG. 4 , a short-rigged lanyard  52 , having a first end and a second end, is connected at the first end to the edge binding  22  of the slider  12  at a pre-determined tie-off point  54 . The second end of the lanyard  52  is attached to an activation tab  50 . A folded portion  56  of the edged binding  22  is secured in ready status by attachment means  58 , such as snaps. The activation tab  50  is in communication with the power source switching means rendering the switching means in the open circuit (OFF) condition. When the slider  12  is deployed the lanyard  52  moves in direction arrow C ( FIG. 5 ), and the activation tab  50  is removed from the switching means causing a changed state to a closed circuit, (i.e., activated/ON) condition. 
     The means to activate the system  30  is not limited to mechanical activity. Means can include motion sensing (detecting the forces associated with opening of the parachute canopy via an on-board accelerometer), altitude sensing based upon an on-board barometric sensor, and photometric sensing to activate the system  30  in the absence of light. 
     The system  30  can be mounted on the slider  12  in a variety of manners. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the system  30  is integrally formed during the manufacturing process of fabricating a new slider. The system  30  is sewn into the edge binding  22  of the slider  12  when the slider  12  is manufactured. 
     A second embodiment of the system  30  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A carrier  80  is mounted to the upper surface of the edge binding  22  via carrier mounting means  82 , such as hook and fastening means disposed on a lower surface of the carrier and the upper surface of the edge binding  22 . The luminaire attachment means  34  and a wiring carrier  78  are sewn onto the slider  12  during assembly. 
     A third embodiment of the system is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The system  30  and wiring carrier  78  are detachably mounted on the slider  12 . Hook and fastening materials and/or snaps are integrally formed on the lower surface of the system  30  and mate with complimentary materials assembled on the slider  12 . 
     A fourth embodiment of the system is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The system  30  is here a fully self-contained device comprising all the elements of the system in a single unit, one or more of which may be installed on the slider. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting the scope and intent of the invention.