Automatic power adapter for manual quick-release connectors

Claim 2

A power adapter for attachment to a conventional, manually operable, quick-release connector having interconnectible male and female fittings, and a movable means extending transverse to said fittings for releasably locking said fittings together, said female fitting having an opening to which said movable means is accessible, and said adaptor comprising: a housing; means for mounting said housing to the female fitting adjacent said opening; said housing having a cylinder; a piston slidably mounted in the cylinder in a direction normal to said releasable locking means; a self contained power source supported by said housing for actuating said piston; an anvil pivotally mounted on said housing, said anvil having a cam surface for engaging said movable member, and a surface for engagement by said piston; whereby activation of said power source will drive the piston to pivot said anvil, which in turn will actuate the movable member to unlock said fittings.

Claim 3

The adapter of claim 1 wherein the piston has an extension that engages and jams the anvil to a locked position against the housing when actuated, preventing the fittings to be reconnected unless the expended power source is replaced.

Claim 4

The adapter of claim 1 wherein said female fitting has a U-shaped frame and the housing extends longitudinally between the legs of the frame.

Claim 5

The adapter of claim 1 wherein said movable means is a rocking shaft having a concave cam surface engageable by a convex cam surface on the anvil.

Claim 6

The adapter of claim 1 wherein the opening to said movable member of said female fitting is on the underside thereof, and said housing when attached substantially closes said opening.

Claim 7

The adapter of claim 5 wherein said movable means is a spring-biased rectilinearly movable bar in said opening, and said cam surface on the anvil engages the bottom of said bar to move same against the action of the spring to release the connector fittings.

Claim 8

The power adapter of claim 1 wherein said anvil upon activation by the power source locks the movable member in a released position preventing, as a safety measure, the connection of the male and female fitting until a new adapter is installed.

Claim 9

A quick-release connector comprising; a female connector half fitting having at least one longitudinal opening to receive a prong on a male connector half; a single elongate locking member supported on said female fitting and extending transversely to intersect said prong for releasably locking said male prong thereto; manual lever means for actuating the locking member to release the prong; means mounted on the female fitting for automatically actuating the locking member independently of said manual means; said automatic actuating means comprising a housing; means for attaching said housing to one side of said female fitting; said housing supporting a cylinder, and a self-contained fluid power source connected thereTo; a piston slidably mounted in said cylinder and movable in a direction normal to said elongate locking means; and cam means pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned between, and in direct contact with, said piston and said elongate locking means; and means for preventing reuse of the connector until a spent power source is replaced; whereby activation of said self-contained power source will drive the piston toward the elongate means to move the locking member through said cam means to release the male prong.

Claim 10

A quick-release connector comprising; a female connector half fitting having at least one longitudinal opening to receive a prong on a male connector half; a single elongate locking member supported on said female fitting and extending transversely to intersect said prong for releasably locking said male prong thereto; manual lever means for actuating the locking member to release the prong; means mounted on the female fitting for automatically actuating the locking member independently of said manual means; said automatic actuating means comprising a housing; means for attaching said housing to one side of said female fitting; said housing supporting a cylinder, and a self-contained fluid power source connected thereTo; a piston slidably mounted in said cylinder and movable in a direction normal to said elongate locking means; and cam means pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned between, and in direct contact with, said piston and said elongate locking means; and means for preventing reuse of the connector until a spent power source is replaced; whereby activation of said self-contained power source will drive the piston toward the elongate means to move the locking member through said cam means to release the male prong.

Claim 11

The connector of claim 8 wherein said piston is provided with an extension, and means are provided for locking said cam means in a power-actuated position to prevent reuse of the connector until the expended power source is replaced.