SEPARATOR, SUSPENSION LINE—A tool used to aid in keeping suspension lines and canopy skirt in order while packing a parachute. SERVICE LIFE—The time period during which the item can be maintained in service without replacement. SERVICING  PARACHUTES—Inspecting, cleaning, repairing, and repacking parachutes at periodic (calendar) intervals. Periodic intervals for parachutes should correspond either to the aircraft calendar inspection or to the phased maintenance inspection cycle program, as directed by applicable MRC or Special Inspection Card Deck. SERVING—A method of wrapping or binding the ends of a cord or a line so it will not ravel. Sometimes referred to as “whipping.” SEWING MACHINE—A machine with a power-driven needle, used for sewing and stitching. SHEARS, PINKING—Shears with a saw- toothed inner edge on the blades for making zigzag cut. SHROUD LINE—Slang for suspension line. SKIPPED STITCHES—Threads that are not interlocked. SKIRT, CANOPY—The lower edge of a canopy. SLMIP—Suspension line mandatory inspection point. SLUB—An abruptly thickened place in cloth caused by manufacturer’s defect. SM&R CODES—Abbreviation for source, maintenance, and recoverability codes. Comprised of three parts; a two—position source code, a two— position maintenance code, and a one—position recoverability code. SMASH—Abrasion damage that causes broken warp and filling threads and weave separation. SNAP, QUICK-CONNECTOR—A large, hook-shaped, spring-loaded snap used to attach the chest-type parachute to the two D-rings on the harness. SNAP, QUICK-EJECTOR—A harness snap that attaches to the V-ring to secure two parts of the harness together. The ejector arm releases the V-ring when the finger-grip lever is pulled out ward. SOCKET, AUTOMATIC PARACHUTE RIPCORD RELEASE—The part of the automatic parachute ripcord release that engages the ball on the power cable. This socket is attached to the piston by a rivet. SPECIFIC GRAVITY—Density of fluid compared to density of water. SPEED LINK—Slang for connector link. SPLICE—The joining of two strands for core ends by interweaving or mechanical joint. SPREADER BAR—A type of tension hook, used to hold connector links in position during parts of the packing procedure. SPREADING GUN, BALLISTIC—A device attached to suspension lines just below the skirt hem on the parachute assembly. Just before full suspension line stretch, the gun discharges and, by explosive force, spreads the skirt of the canopy. SPRING, C O N T A I N E R  O P E N I N G BANDS—Stretchable bands composed of a series of springs installed in a cloth case with a hook at each end. They are installed under tension on the pack, to pull apart the end and side flaps after the ripcord is pulled. Also called pack opening band or bungee. SQUIDDING—A state of incomplete canopy inflation in which the canopy has a squid- or pear- like shape. STAND, CONTAINER—A rigid stand used to hold some parachute containers, such as the Martin-Baker horseshoe container, during part of the packing procedure. STATIC LINE CUTTER—A device used to cut the static line to free the parachutist and prevent entanglement. STIFFENER, CONTAINER—A piece of metal or fiber glass or phenolic fiber placed in the container to stiffen the flaps. These strips are also used for stiffening and shaping the bottoms of several back-type containers. AI-14