Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods of manufacturing a release mechanism, comprising: carburizing a plurality of locking shoes configured to be positioned within a release mechanism intended for use in temperatures that are below 5° C. and cooperatively implemented to withstand forces of at least several hundred thousand pounds, wherein the carburizing comprises exposing the plurality of locking shoes to a carbon-bearing atmosphere and heat treating the plurality of locking shoes while exposed to the carbon-bearing atmosphere; austenitizing the plurality of locking shoes at a temperature of greater than 1400° F. following the carburizing; performing a first tempering the plurality of locking shoes at a first tempering temperature; performing a second tempering of the plurality of locking shoes at a second tempering temperature that is different than the first tempering temperature; and flame hardening one or more surfaces of each of the plurality of locking shoes.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body having first and second mating sections each connected to separate tethers; locking shoes each movable between a first position configured to lock the first and second mating sections together and a second position configured to allow the first and second mating sections to disconnect; an actuator configured to move the locking shoes between the first and second positions; wherein each of the locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section; wherein portions of the locking surface comprise toric geometries that are not in contact with the engagement surface when the locking shoes are in the first position and do not come into contact with the engagement surface as the locking shoes transition to the second position.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body comprising a first mating section and a second mating section connected to first and second tethers; and a plurality of movable locking shoes secured with the first mating section and movable between a first position configured to lock the first mating section and the second mating section together and a second position configured to allow the first mating section and the second mating section to disconnect; wherein each of the plurality of locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section when the plurality of locking shoes are in the first position, and wherein the locking surface of each of the plurality of locking shoes is formed at a contact angle between about 18 degrees and 24 degrees.