Patent ID: 8245370
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: B64G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A capture mechanism, comprising: a. a socket adapted to receive a necked coupling element along a longitudinal axis of said socket, wherein said 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 necked coupling element is posterior of said end portion of said necked coupling element; b. a plurality of three latch assemblies located around said longitudinal axis of said socket and adapted to cooperate therewith, wherein each latch assembly of said plurality of three latch assemblies comprises: c. a latch lock adapted to slide axially relative to said housing portion and to engage a notch in a fourth portion of each said latch lever anterior of said third portion of each said latch lever when each 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 each 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, each 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.