Automatic connection and disconnection

Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with a third connector, which comprises:

• first, second, and third retention means for respectively carrying said first, second, and third connectors;
• platform means for carrying said first, second, and third retention means;
• track means comprising separate forward an rear segments, plus means for movably retaining said first retention means in the forward and rear segments;
• handle and rotatable gear means carried by the first retention means, and rack means engaging said gear means defined along one of the segments of said track means to permit positive, mechanically controlled movement of the first retention means along the track means from a first position in a first essentially radial direction permitting disconnection between first and second connectors, and toward a second position in a second essentially radial direction permitting connection between the first and third connectors when said first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means.

Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with a third connector, which comprises:

• first, second, and third retention means for respectively carrying first, second, and third connectors;
• platform means for carrying said first, second, and third retention means;
• track means on said platform means for permitting controlled movement of said first retention means along said track means between a first position permitting disconnection between first and second connectors, and a second position permitting connection between said first and third connectors, when said first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means;
• gripping jaws, provided as part of the third retention means to grip and transversely press third connectors carried by the third retention means;
• cam means carried by the first retention means;
• and cam activated means provided to open said gripping jaws as the first retention means moves into the second position, whereby the gripping jaws cannot engage the first connector carried in the first retention means, and the third connector can be easily removed from the third retention means in said second position.

Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with a third connector, which comprises:

• first, second, and third retention means for respectively carrying first, second, and third connectors;
• platform means for carrying said first, second, and third retention means;
• and means for permitting controlled movement of said first retention means in a first, essentially radial direction from a first position permitting disconnection between first and second connectors, said first direction being parallel to the axis of a second connector mounted in the second retention means, and thereafter to move in a second, different, essentially radial direction to a second position permitting connection between first and third connectors, said second direction being parallel to the axis of a third connector mounted in the third retention means, when said first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means;
• said means for permitting controlled movement including track means and means for movably retaining said first retention means in the track means, said track means including first and second end portions which are straight, extending respectively in said first and second different, essentially radial directions, said track means also defining an arcuate track portion between the straight end portions thereof.