Apparatus for releasably connecting construction components

Apparatus for releasably connecting first and second construction components, each having a mating face, comprising

• an sleeve having an open first end and a second end formed in said first construction component with said open first end of said sleeve aligned with said mating face thereof;
• a socket having an open first end and a second end formed in said second construction component with said open first end of said socket aligned with said mating face thereof;
• a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly including a cylinder body with first and second ends and a piston with first and second ends, said cylinder disposed in telescoping relation with said piston with said first end of said piston extending into the interior of said cylinder and said second end of said piston extending outwardly from said second end of said cylinder, said cylinder and piston assembly disposed in said sleeve with said second end of said piston connected to said first construction component at said second end of said sleeve and with said cylinder longitudinally movable in said sleeve between a retracted position with said cylinder fully within said sleeve and an extended position with said first end of said cylinder extending outwardly from said sleeve beyond said mating face of said first construction component, such that said first end of said cylinder is received in said socket with said mating face of said first construction component against said mating face of said second construction component, with said sleeve aligned with said socket, and with said cylinder in said extended position;
• and
• locking means to releasably retain said first end of said cylinder in said socket.