Patent ID: 8333347
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: B64G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A docking system comprising a plurality of three capture mechanisms separated from one another and that operate independently of one another, wherein each capture mechanism of said plurality of three capture mechanisms comprises: a. a socket adapted to receive a corresponding necked coupling element along a longitudinal axis of said socket, wherein said corresponding necked coupling element comprises an end portion that is relatively larger in transverse dimension than an adjacent necked portion, and said adjacent necked portion of said corresponding necked coupling element is posterior of said end portion of said corresponding necked coupling element; b. a latch assembly adapted to cooperate with said socket, wherein said latch assembly comprises: c. a latch lock adapted to slide axially relative to said housing portion and to engage a notch in a fourth portion of said latch lever anterior of said third portion of said latch lever when said latch lever is rotated into said closed position, wherein when said latch lock is slid axially in a first direction so as to become engaged with said notch, said latch lock prevents said latch lever from rotating from said closed position to said open position, and when said latch lock is slid in a second direction opposite to said first direction so as to become disengaged with said notch, said latch lever is free to rotate from said closed position to said open position; and d. a second spring operative between said housing portion and said latch lock, wherein said second spring is adapted to bias said latch lock into engagement with said notch.