Abstract: A connector for an Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) includes a screw in an active connector structure which mates with a floating nut in a passive connector structure. Two alignment pins in active structure mate with sockets in the passive structure. As the screw is turned, a push rod assembly in the active structure couples to a one-axis restraint in the passive structure. One alignment pin has a two-axis restraint and the other has a three-axis restraint. The screw is driven manually or by a robot to cooperate with the alignment pins and sockets to provide a three point mount.

Abstract: A robotic connector or interface includes a roughly conical male member in which the conical side may be concave. The male member includes a radial indexing pin, and a central bore in which polarized electrical connectors are located. A mating female member includes a cavity with a fundus and movable peripheral lips adapted for grasping the base of the male member when engaged for drawing the male member into full mating relation with the cavity. A tapered slot in the side of the female member guides the index pin to impart rotational forces so that mating can take place even if the approach is skewed. The electrical connectors are mounted on a separately indexed, spring loaded connector plate at the fundus of the cavity. A motor-driven linkage operates the peripheral lip members.