Patent ID: 6450064
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: B64G,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A self-aligning release assembly for a separation mechanism, the separation mechanism having a protective housing for selectively releasably securing a fastener, the protective housing mountable to a structure, the release assembly comprising:a rotatable flywheel having an internal bearing race, the bearing race having a plurality of recessed portions; a plurality of bearing elements contacting the bearing race; a positioning element within and adjacent the flywheel for aligning and retaining the bearing elements; and retaining means for releasably retaining the fastener, the retaining means positioned within the flywheel with the outer surfaces of the retaining means abutting the bearing elements; wherein in a locked position, the bearing elements forcibly urge the retaining means radially inward to retain the fastener and wherein upon rotation of the flywheel to a released position, the positioning element aligns the bearing elements with the recessed portions on the bearing race of the flywheel allowing the retaining means to move in a direction away from and release the fastener.