Apparatus for releasably connecting first and second objects in predetermined space relationship

Apparatus for releasably connecting first and second objects in predetermined space relationship including at least one probe member mounted on said first object having an elongated shank portion at the distal end of which is provided a target nose portion, said tapered nose and shank portion being connected by an annular shoulder facing toward the proximal end of said shank portion, and at least one drogue assembly mounted on said second object for releasably capturing said probe member upon said first and second objects being brought into close proximity with each other, said drogue assembly comprising:

• housing meansattached to said second object;
• cone means, having inwardly tapered conical surfaces, carried by said housing means which receives said probe member upon said bringing of said first and second objects into said close proximity;
• latch means carried by said housing means including a plurality of latch members radially movable, relative to a central axis of said drogue assembly, between retracted positions, in which saidlatch members do not project inwardly of said tapered conical surfaces, and extended positions, in which said latch members project inwardly of said tapered conical surfaces which engages with said probe member;
• and
• operator menas carried by said housing means and operable, when said probe means has been fully received by said cone means, which locks said latch members in said extended positions engaging said annular shoulder of said probe member and releasably connecting said probe member and said drogue assembly in a substantially fixed axial relationship.