IP Library Granted Patent US 10,106,264
Granted Patent B1
US 10,106,264 · App. 15/249,079 · Granted Oct 23, 2018

Rocket-based inverted parachute deployment system

Inventors: Cameron Robertson (San Mateo, CA); Todd Reichert (Mountain View, CA); Damon Vander Lind (Oakland, CA)
Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
B64D17/62B64D17/80F42B10/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,106,264
App. No.
15/249,079
Granted
Oct 23, 2018
Kind
B1
Abstract

A system to deploy a parachute is disclosed. In various embodiments, a plurality of rockets are attached to a perimeter of the parachute. Each of the rockets is configured to fly initially in a first direction substantially in a direction of deployment of the parachute and to fly subsequently along a trajectory that includes a component that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of deployment and extends radially from a center of the parachute.

Claims (21)

1. A system to deploy a parachute, comprising:

a plurality of rockets attached to a perimeter of the parachute,

wherein each of the rockets is configured to fly initially in a first direction substantially in a direction of deployment of the parachute and to fly subsequently along a trajectory that includes a component that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of deployment and extends radially from a center of the parachute.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the trajectory includes a second component substantially opposite the direction of deployment.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rockets initially deploy the parachute in an inverted position.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a rocket of the plurality of rockets flies in a parabolic trajectory away from a center of the parachute.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein a rocket of the plurality of rockets is tethered to the parachute with multiple tethers comprising a tether than pulls the rocket in a direction substantially opposite the direction of deployment.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is shaped to cause the rocket to turn after it is deployed.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is angled away from the rest of the rocket.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets changes in shape after the rocket is deployed.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets becomes progressively angled away from the rest of the rocket after the rocket is deployed.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein a fin of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is shaped to cause the rocket to turn after it is deployed.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein a fin of a rocket of the plurality of rockets changes in shape after the rocket is deployed.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle or a fin of a rocket of the plurality of rockets comprises a bimetallic material or a material that changes shape under heat.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein a fin of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is attached to a nozzle of the rocket.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein a fin or a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets changes in shape after the rocket is deployed based on an intensity or duration of heat released from the nozzle.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is controlled by a pilot, a computer, or a servomotor after deployment of the rocket.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein a size, a number, a fuel type, or a fuel amount of the plurality of rockets is determined based on a trajectory of the rocket determined to optimally deploy the parachute.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein a combustion chamber type of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is determined based on a trajectory of the rocket determined to optimally deploy the parachute.

18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rockets are able to be deployed at once or in stages.

19. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rockets are able to be deployed at once or in stages based on a pilot indication, an environmental condition, or an aircraft condition.

Assignments (10)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 22, 2023
From: ONE AERO, LLC
To: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 063713/0367 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 25, 2022
From: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
To: ONE AERO, LLC
Reel/Frame 059503/0382 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2021
From: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
To: ONE AERO, LLC
Reel/Frame 058029/0610 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 22, 2020
From: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
To: ONE AERO, LLC
Reel/Frame 054206/0714 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 7, 2018
From: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
To: ONE AERO, LLC
Reel/Frame 047739/0947 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 25, 2018
From: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
To: ONE AERO, LLC
Reel/Frame 047308/0927 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 22, 2017
From: VANDER LIND, DAMON
To: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 043667/0250 →
MERGER Recorded Dec 9, 2016
From: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
To: ZEE.AERO INC.
Reel/Frame 040879/0337 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Dec 9, 2016
From: ZEE.AERO INC.
To: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 040879/0263 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 26, 2016
From: ROBERTSON, CAMERON; REICHERT, TODD; VANDER LIND, DAMON
To: KITTY HAWK CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 040141/0864 →