Patent ID: 7448577

Claim:
An apparatus for providing a velocity differential between a parachute and a payload, said payload consisting of cargo having a weight capable of producing a shock load for tearing the parachute when the parachute opens during decent, said velocity differential for reducing the shock load, comprising: a parachute having a canopy and suspension lines that extend from the canopy to distal ends; at least one strip of material having a first end, a second end opposite said first end, and a predetermined length, the predetermined length depending on a deceleration force, produced by the material, and strength of the material, such that a higher strength material produces a larger deceleration force and requires a reduced length of the strip of material; a piercing member having a first portion for piercing through said at least one strip of material and a second portion that defines an enclosed first opening and an enclosed second opening, said enclosed first opening being a through-hole through which said at least one strip of material passes, whereby passage of said at least one strip of material through said enclosed first opening of said piercing member controls and insures continuous tearing of the strip of material in a downward direction, so that energy of descending cargo is dissipated through heat and drag produced by the piercing member, and said enclosed second opening being a through-hole; means, comprising a ring, for attaching the first end of said at least one strip of material to the distal ends of the suspension lines; a lanyard having a first end attached to said enclosed second opening of said second portion of said piercing member, and a second end adapted for attachment to the cargo; and a stop line for controlling a distance the piercing member moves downward the strip of material, said stop line being attached to and between said ring and said cargo, said stop line having a length shorter than the predetermined length of said strip of material for preventing the piercing member from completely tearing through an entire length of the strip of material, such that, upon all energy of descending cargo being dissipated, said cargo is carried by said stop line and any remaining non-torn portion of said strip of material; and whereby when a tensile force is applied to said apparatus such that said first end of said at least one strip of material is pulled in one direction and said piercing member is pulled in an opposite direction, tension is produced which causes said piercing member to longitudinally tear through at least a portion of said predetermined length of said at least one strip of material.