Mechanical override release mechanism for cable tensioning systems

An override mechanism for a cable tensioning mechanism in which a cable is tensioned by a motor against the reaction thrust of a flexible outer conduit for the cable, the release mechanism comprising:

• an abutment member fastened to one end of the flexible outer conduit of the cable, the cable passing through the abutment member for connection to a motor-actuated tensioning drive nut;
• a housing in which the abutment member can move;
• a stop member associated with the housing for engaging the abutment member to arrest movement of the abutment member in the housing and establish a reaction surface against which the abutment member and the outer conduit bear when the cable is tensioned;
• and
• an actuator operably connected to the stop member to selectively move the stop member between a first position wherein the stop member is in engagement with the abutment member to arrest movement of the abutment in the housing and establish the reaction surface and a second position wherein the stop member is out of engagement with the abutment member to permit movement of the abutment member in the housing and release the tension in the cable.