Abstract: A self-latching jaw assembly is illustrated which includes a pair of latching jaws (A) and (B) for latching a fitting of an associated structure such as the keel fitting (50) of a space telescope. The jaw assembly automatically locates the fitting received on a positioning pedestal (52) and latches it in its original location on the pedestal without need of precision alignment. The first jaw (A) is actuated and moved to the right whereupon a reciprocating plunger (62) will have been extended from the nose (64) of the jaw and will sense the hub (50b) of the spool (50a). A jaw position responsive switch (72) is then actuated to terminate the drive motor (E) of the jaw (A). The astronaut will then actuate the drive motor (F) of the jaw (B) and the jaw will move to the left whereupon standoff (82) will engage the face (64a) of the jaw (A) in a latching position. In the latching position, the noses (64) and (83) of the jaws (A) and (B) will be under the flanges of the spool (50a).

Abstract: A drive system characterized by a base supporting a pair of pillars arranged in spaced parallelism, a shaft extended between and supported by the pillars for rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof, a worm gear affixed to the shaft and supported thereby in coaxial relation therewith. A bearing housing of a sleeve-like configuration is concentrically related to the shaft and is supported thereby for free rotation with respect thereto. A first and a second normally quiescent drive train, alternatively activatable, is provided for imparting rotation into said bearing housing.