3-ring parachute release system - GIF, video, patent
A 3-ring parachute release system. Also called a "3-ring circus", it's used to reliably release a malfunctioning main parachute so that the reserve chute can be safely deployed.
https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...te_release.gif
46-second video showing the 3-ring release mechanism in real-time, and again at 1/20th speed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AItz8GcYx60
Awarded patent #4337913 in 1982, to inventor William R. Booth.
https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...se_patent1.jpg
https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...se_patent2.jpg
More:
https://www.google.com/patents/US4337913
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malfunction_(parachuting)