Patent ID: 6935805

Claim:
A reusable self-aligning precision latch, comprising: a) a latch body for mounting a latch assembly, including an interface cone; b) a lead screw, coupled to the latch body on one end, that pivots at an interface on the latch body allowing for self-alignment; c) a drive cam having a plurality of surfaces and positioned on the lead screw engaging a plurality of linkage assemblies such that at least two links are driven; d) a flexured ball assembly having a ball and a floating clamp plate in contact with the ball, said floating clamp plate maintained perpendicularly to an axis of the flexured ball assembly by a compliant member; said flexured ball assembly clamped by the plurality of linkage assemblies to the latch body with the floating clamp plate such that all clamping forces between the floating clamp plate and the latch body are equalized; and e) a motor for closing and opening the self-aligning precision latch by turning the lead screw to apply and release, respectively, the clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body.