Actuator release mechanism

An actuator release mechanism comprising:

• a longitudinal sleeve movable along an axis between a lock position and a release position;
• drive means for causing the longitudinal sleeve to move along the axis;
• and
• bias means to bias the longitudinal sleeve to the lock position;
• wherein the drive means comprises:
• a rotary solenoid having a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation;
• and
• a toggle member having a toggle shaft connected to and rotatable with the rotary solenoid, and a toggle head in engagement with the longitudinal sleeve by means of at least one pin extending radially inwards from the longitudinal sleeve and a helical guide rail provided on a radially outer surface of the toggle head, the longitudinal sleeve being mounted around the toggle head, such that rotation of the solenoid causes rotation of the toggle member and the helical guide rail which causes the pin(s) to ride along the helical guide rail to rotate the sleeve and cause axial movement of the sleeve relative to the toggle member.