Appendage restraint system

A restraint system for receiving and subsequently selectively releasing and restraining an apppendage, said restraint system comprising:

• (a) a clamp assembly including,
• (i) a base portion,
• (ii) a restraint structure opposing said base portion defining an opening for receiving an appendage between said base portion and said restraint structure, and
• (b) an electromagnet capable of being selectively activated for restraint,
• (c) wherein, when said electromagnet is not activated for restraint, said clamp assembly receives and releases an appendage,
• (d) wherein, when said electromagnet is activated for restraint, said clamp assembly restrains an appendage,
• (e) wherein said restraint structure is movable between a position proximal said base portion and a position distal said base portion,
• (f) wherein said opening is minimized when said restraint structure is at said proximal position,
• (g) wherein said opening is maximized when said restraint structure is at said distal position, and
• (h) wherein said clamp assembly further comprises a spring that biases said restraint structure toward said distal position.

A restraint system for receiving and subsequently selectively releasing and restraining an appendage, said restraint system comprising:

• (a) a clamp assembly including,
• (i) a base portion,
• (ii) a restraint structure opposing said base portion defining an opening for receiving an appendage between said base portion and said restraint structure, and
• (b) an electromagnet capable of being selectively activated for restraint,
• (c) wherein, when said electromagnet is not activated for restraint, said clamp assembly receives and releases an appendage,
• (d) wherein, when said electromagnet is activated for restraint, said clamp assembly restrains an appendage,
• (e) wherein said restraint structure comprises,
• (i) a first channel structure opening toward said base portion for receiving a portion of a first appendage,
• (ii) a second channel structure opening toward said base portion for receiving a portion of a second appendage, and
• (iii) a center section extending between and connecting said first channel structure and said second channel structure,
• (f) wherein said clamp assembly further comprises a plurality of posts fixed to said base portion and passing through said restraint structure such that said restraint structure is movable along said posts, wherein said electromagnet, when activated for restraint, provides a magnetic force biasing said restraint structure toward said base portion, and
• (g) wherein said restraint system further comprises at least one coil spring that provides a spring force biasing said restraint structure away from said base portion, said magnetic force exceeding said spring force when said electromagnet is activated for restraint.