Patent ID: 6966291

Claim:
A timing mechanism for alternatively permitting and prohibiting linear actuation of a first pin in a first channel in a body, the first pin having first and second spaced apart detents corresponding to first and second actuation positions of said first pin, the mechanism comprising: a) a second channel in said body adjacent said first channel; b) a timing pin slidably disposed in said second channel, said timing pin having a first and larger diameter portion and a second and smaller diameter portion; c) a passage formed in said body between said first channel and said second channel, said passage having a length and a diameter; d) a ball disposed in said passage, said ball having a diameter less than said diameter of said passage but greater than said length of said passage such that said ball is freely moveable within said passage and extends into one of said first and second channels at all times; and e) an actuating element for axially displacing said timing pin in said second channel between a first position wherein said larger timing pin diameter portion is adjacent said passage, thereby displacing said ball into a one of said first and second shaft detents to lock said first pin in said first channel, and a second position wherein said smaller timing pin diameter portion is adjacent said passage, allowing said ball to be extended into said second channel and withdrawn from said one of said first and second detents, thereby unlocking said first pin in said first channel.