IP Library Granted Patent US 10,641,589
Granted Patent B2
US 10,641,589 · App. 16/133,333 · Granted May 5, 2020

Rocket-based inverted parachute deployment system

Inventors: Cameron Robertson (San Mateo, CA); Todd Reichert (Mountain View, CA); Damon Vander Lind (East Palo Alto, CA)
Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
F42B10/02B64D17/725B64D17/80F42B12/68
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,641,589
App. No.
16/133,333
Granted
May 5, 2020
Kind
B2
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 (20)

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 in a parabolic trajectory causing the parachute to open in an inverted position and subsequently causing a perimeter of the parachute to be flipped down.

2. 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.

3. 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 a direction of deployment.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a nozzle of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is shaped to cause the rocket to fly in the parabolic trajectory.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein a fin of a rocket of the plurality of rockets is shaped to cause the rocket to fly in the parabolic trajectory.

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

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein a fin or 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.

14. 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 at least one rocket of the plurality of rockets determined to optimally deploy the parachute.

15. 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.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rockets are adapted to be deployed simultaneously.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rockets are adapted to be deployed in stages.

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

Assignments (6)
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 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 15249079 · Aug 26, 2016
Related Publication 20190016468A1 · Jan 17, 2019