Quick release latch for reactor scram

A quick release mechanism for allowing rapid insertion of a control element into the core of a nuclear reactor for scram purposes comprising:

• a hollow drive member having a diverging-converging end section, a gripper assembly movably positioned within said hollow drive member and adapted to cooperate with a coupling head of an associated control element, and means including tensioning means for moving said gripper assembly such that tensioning said tensioning means causes said gripper assembly to retain an associated control element coupling head therein and release of tension on said tensioning means allows such a retained associated control element to be released therefrom for rapid insertion into an associated reactor core, said gripper assembly comprising a pliers-like gripper mechanism, said means for moving said gripper assembly comprising a bellows assembly movably secured within said hollow drive member, said tension means comprising cable means interconnecting said bellows assembly and said pliers-like gripper mechanism, whereby expansion of said bellows assembly causes tensioning of said cable means and tightening action of said pliers-like gripper mechanism about an associated control element coupling head retaining same therein, and contraction of said bellows assembly releases tension on said cable means allowing loosening action of said pliers-like gripper mechanism and release therefrom of such an associated control element coupling head.