Abstract: A latching mechanism selectively joins two surfaces and/or objects and includes a latch and a catch. The latch includes a pivoting locking member with respect to the latch that pivots between a locked position and an unlocked position. First and second electromagnetic coils housed within the latch are selectively energized to cause pivotal movement of the locking member. The catch defines at least one pocket for receiving a portion of the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position and the latch and the catch are engaged.

Abstract: A latching mechanism selectively joins two surfaces and/or objects and includes a latch and a catch. The latch includes a pivoting locking member with respect to the latch that pivots between a locked position and an unlocked position. An electromagnetic coil housed within the latch is selectively energized to cause pivotal movement of the locking member. The catch defines at least one pocket for receiving a portion of the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position and the latch and the catch are engaged. The latching mechanism may be normally-locked, such that the energizing of the coil moves the locking member to the unlocked position, or normally-unlocked, with the energizing of the coil moving the locking member to the locked position.