Abstract: A tool exchange device includes a first coupling member attached to one of a body side of an apparatus and a tool side and having a first coupling surface, and a second coupling member attached to the other of the body side and the tool side and having a second coupling surface capable of being in contact with the first coupling surface, in which the first coupling member includes, on the first coupling surface, a first pin, a second pin, and an auxiliary projection, the second coupling member includes, on the second coupling surface, a first hole, a second hole, and an auxiliary hole, a first gap is provided each between the first pin and the first hole and between the second pin and the second hole, a second gap is provided between the auxiliary projection and the auxiliary hole, and the second gap is larger than the first gap.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an off-road vehicle comprising a frame, including at a frame, a passenger compartment, a driveline that includes at least a drive system and a driven system, and a constant velocity (CV) joint for coupling the driven system to the drive system. The CV joint includes a housing, a coupling shaft, a detent, a plunge pin and an actuation pin, wherein the actuation pin has a first end that is accessible via an aperture in the housing, wherein actuation of the actuation pin determines whether the plunge pin is in the first position or the second position.

Abstract: An adjustable length crank arm includes a first component having a longitudinal length, a second component coupled to the first component, the second component having a longitudinal length. A total length of the crank arm can be adjusted by changing an amount of longitudinal overlap that exists between the first component and the second component. The adjustable length crank arm can include a first wedge and a second wedge and at least a portion of each of the first wedge and the second wedge is longitudinally captured between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an off-road vehicle comprising a frame, including at a frame, a passenger compartment, a driveline that includes at least a drive system and a driven system, and a constant velocity (CV) joint for coupling the driven system to the drive system. The CV joint includes a housing, a coupling shaft, a detent, a plunge pin and an actuation pin, wherein the actuation pin has a first end that is accessible via an aperture in the housing, wherein actuation of the actuation pin determines whether the plunge pin is in the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A telescopic apparatus controller for a human-powered vehicle comprises a controller configured to control a telescopic apparatus in one of a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes includes a first operating mode in which a reference portion of the telescopic apparatus is selectively arranged to one of a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, and a second operating mode in which the reference portion of the telescopic apparatus is arbitrarily arranged between a first end position and a second end position.

Abstract: A lockable adapter is configured to couple a drive socket to a tool. The lockable adapter includes a body defining a longitudinal axis. The body is configured to couple the lockable adapter to the tool. The lockable adapter includes a sleeve moveably coupled relative to the body along the longitudinal axis of the body between a first position and a second position. The sleeve is configured to interface with the drive socket to support the drive socket on the sleeve. The lockable adapter includes a collar moveable relative to the sleeve. The sleeve moves into the second position configured to lock the drive socket to the sleeve in response to inserting the drive socket onto the sleeve. The sleeve moves into the first position configured to allow removal of the drive socket from the sleeve in response to moving the collar relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A steering column has a housing. A steering spindle jacket is disposed within the housing. An outer steering spindle is disposed within the steering spindle jacket and has a spline hub. An inner spindle is disposed within the outer steering spindle and includes a spline shaft configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub and the spline shaft are engaged. In a non-stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub are engaged and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub are free of engagement. A pin is disposed in the housing engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state and prevents rotation of the outer steering spindle and is free of engagement in the non-stowed state.

Abstract: A separable robotic interface includes a carrier portion, configured to attach to a free end of a robotic arm, and a probe portion, configured to be attached to a toolhead. The carrier portion includes a spring-loaded plug, coaxial with and arranged to slide lengthwise within the carrier portion, one or more ball bearings, arranged within holes of the carrier portion, and an axial lock feature. The probe portion may include a probe, which includes one or more recesses on lateral exterior surfaces of the probe and configured to receive ball bearings in order to axially lock the carrier portion to the probe portion in response to the probe portion inserted a predetermined distance into the carrier portion and the axial lock feature is activated. The probe portion is further configured to radially align with the carrier portion in response to an alignment feature engages the carrier portion.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to arms or forearms of medical devices that are configured to couple with quick-release end effectors, quick-release end effectors for use with such medical devices, and arms or forearms coupled to such quick-release end effectors. Certain forearms and end effectors have magnetic couplings, while others have mechanical couplings, and further implementations have both magnetic and mechanical couplings.

Abstract: A lock and release mechanism includes a primary ring with a first surface and a second surface, each surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. A secondary ring has first and second surfaces, the first surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. The channels of the secondary ring are aligned with a portion of an opposing channel of the primary ring. Arranged between the primary and secondary rings are a plurality of low friction elements partially arranged within a channel of the primary ring and partially arranged within an opposing channel of the secondary ring. In order to lock and release the mechanism, the primary ring translates relative to the secondary ring such that the bearing balls move within each channel from a first depth to a second depth greater than the first depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to the installation of volumetric pumps to mechanical means inside controlled areas with limited operator access. In particular, the invention relates to a method for setting up in an operating position such a pump arranged for filling up containers, the pump comprising a body with piston means slidingly mounted therein and switching means rotatably mounted within the body, the piston and switching means extending outside the body, said method comprising holding the piston and switching means together with the body of the pump, hooking up either one of the body and the piston and the switching means to a pivot (P), and rotating the pump around the pivot (P) to fasten the other one of the body and the piston and the switching means on an operating support.

Abstract: Briefly, implementations of claimed subject matter relate to methods and devices for coupling a first rotating shaft to a second shaft. In a particular implementation, an end of a plurality of resilient fingers of a resilient structure may be radially displaced to permit positioning of the resilient structure over a first shaft. An inwardly-directed portion of each of the plurality of the resilient fingers of the resilient structure may be secured to a channel located on an inner surface of a second shaft. After securing the resilient structure to the second shaft, the one or more resilient fingers of the resilient structure may be positioned within a slotted ladder ring encircling the first shaft.

Abstract: This invention concerns a clamping device for firmly holding a part to be clamped at a clamping recess in which the clamping device is arranged. The clamping device comprises a collet with a first external protrusion for engagement with an internal recess in an inner peripheral area of the part that is to be clamped and with a second external protrusion for engagement with an internal recess in an inner peripheral area of the clamping recess. At least one of the first external protrusion or the second external protrusion comprises a first external taper or a second external taper for pulling the part to be clamped axially into the clamping recess by a radial outward movement of the collet or a section of the collet and an operation stud including an external tapered section for effecting the radial outward movement of the collet.

Abstract: A lockable adapter is configured to selectively couple a drive socket to a power tool. The lockable adapter includes a shaft configured to couple the lockable adapter to the power tool for the power tool to rotate the lockable adapter about an axis, a drive member movable along the axis relative to the shaft, and a retaining member supported by the drive member. The drive member is configured to interface with the drive socket to support the drive socket on the lockable adapter. When the lockable adapter is in a locked state, a portion of the retaining member protrudes beyond a surface of the drive member such that the retaining member is configured to secure the drive socket to the drive member. When the lockable adapter is in an unlocked state, the retaining member is configured to allow for removal of the drive socket from the drive member.

Abstract: In example implementations, a lanyard attachment is provided. The lanyard attachment includes a first body portion, a second body portion and a lanyard. The first body portion includes a first locking head and a first opening. The second body portion includes a second locking head and a second opening. The first body portion and the second body portion are positioned within an opening of an input device such that the first opening and the second opening are aligned exterior to the opening of the input device. The lanyard is coupled to the first body portion and the second body portion through the first opening and the second opening that are aligned.

Abstract: A circuit board secure connection apparatus, a circuit board and a plug-and-lock industrial computer frame are provided. The circuit board secure connection apparatus includes: a holder; a connector which is elastic and movably mounted on the holder; a profile ratchet which is elastic and hinged on a bottom portion of the holder through a first hinge; a hook handle hinged on a rear portion of the holder through a second hinge; and a hook button which is elastic and movably mounted on the hook handle; wherein the hook handle cooperates with the holder through the hook button for being attached to or detached from the holder; the hood handle cooperates with the profile ratchet for rotating the profile ratchet. The plug-and-lock industrial computer frame with the circuit board secure connection apparatus and the circuit board has advantages such as simple installation, reliable connection, and sufficient performance.

Abstract: A rotation activated quick-release mount. A rack and pinion system converts rotation of a housing into linear expansion and contraction of the housing. A modular plate may be removably coupled with the housing. A biasing device may urge the housing into a base position. The plate may be installed when the housing is in the base position.

Abstract: A releasable ball lock hinge is disclosed. The releasable ball lock hinge includes a first body operable with a hinge ball and a release ball. Each ball can be movable within respective openings of the first body. The releasable ball lock hinge also includes a second body configured to rotatably interface and removably couple with the first body. The hinge ball releasably engages the second body. The second body has a release recess operable with the release ball to disengage the hinge ball and alternately couple and release the first body and the second body based on a relative position between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: An insert, a motion-transmitting mechanism and a method of operating a motion-transmitting mechanism. The insert may include an insert body receivable in a bore, the insert body having an outer surface at least partially engageable in a driving relationship with a bore surface, the insert body defining an insert bore operable to receive a shaft in a driving relationship, torque transmission between the shaft and the motion-transmitting member through the insert body causing a portion of the insert body to compress toward the shaft.

Abstract: A Bimini top attaching system has a mounting bracket that is affixed to a watercraft and a latch affixed to a frame tube. The latch has a main body with a tube portion that is located inside the tube and a hook portion that is exposed. The latch includes a movable catch that slides inside a catch trough between a locked and unlocked position, with a spring biasing the catch towards the locked position. In the locked position, a chisel point on the catch interrupts a transverse notch in the hook portion. Moving the catch to the unlocked position allows a pin on the mounting bracket to pass in and out of the transverse notch. The catch is restrained in the catch trough when the tube portion is located inside the tube.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to arms or forearms of medical devices that are configured to couple with quick-release end effectors, quick-release end effectors for use with such medical devices, and arms or forearms coupled to such quick-release end effectors. Certain forearms and end effectors have magnetic couplings, while others have mechanical couplings, and further implementations have both magnetic and mechanical couplings.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a sleeve, a magnetic member and an engaging member. The body includes a function end and a first groove with first and second end faces. The sleeve includes a first room and a reception area defined therein. A second groove is defined in the outside of the sleeve and located corresponding to the first groove. The second groove includes holes defined radially therethrough which communicates with the reception area. The magnetic member is receive in the first room. The engaging member is engaged with the second groove and has first portions inserted through the holes in the second groove. The second engaging portion is connected to the first engaging portions and protrudes beyond the reception area so as to be engaged with the first groove of the body and movable between the first and second end faces of the first groove.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly of a vehicle includes a yoke assembly having a shaft extending between a yoke and a flange. The yoke assembly further includes a bearing having an inner race integrally formed on an outer surface of the shaft, an outer race circumscribing the inner race, and a plurality of rotating elements rollably engaging between the inner and outer races. A tube is attached to the flange.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastening mechanism is provided for fastening an aircraft surface panel to an aircraft panel support member. The panel includes a plurality of receptacles extending from the panel lower surface. The panel support member includes a corresponding plurality of panel engagement mechanisms, disposed on the support member lower surface, and translatable through the support member to engage the receptacles. The panel engagement mechanisms are extendable from a first position, wherein the panel abuts and is engaged to the panel support member, to second position wherein the panel is elevated above the panel support member upper surface where the panel may be unlocked and separated from the panel engagement mechanism. The panel engagement mechanism is operative to elevate and release the panel in response to changes in fluid pressure communicated to the panel engagement mechanisms.

Abstract: This locking system includes a male cylindrical end and a female tubular cylindrical end inside of which the male cylindrical end is to be inserted for coupling. A locking groove is hollowed in the outer surface of the male cylindrical end. The female tubular cylindrical end is bored on the side with a through-opening inside of which is arranged a mobile locking element which protrudes inside the female tubular cylindrical end in the locking groove of the male cylindrical end. A locking ring is mounted to rotate freely on the outer surface of the female tubular cylindrical end opposite the through-opening this ring having an inner surface wherein a recess having an ortho-radially variable depth enables the locking/unlocking of the mobile locking element against the locking groove depending on the ring's position. The locking groove extends in the axial direction of the male cylindrical end from a free end thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock having a lock rotation axis and including an outer surface extending about the lock rotation axis. The retainer system may also include a retainer bushing including an inner surface extending about the lock rotation axis, where the inner surface is configured to rotatably receive the outer surface of the lock. The outer surface of the lock and the inner surface of the retainer bushing may be aligned substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis.

Abstract: Method and assembly for attaching a heat sink to a heat source surface associated with a printed circuit board or other component having a heat source. A fastener assembly may include a push pin with a barbed, bifurcated end arranged to be inserted through an opening of the printed circuit board and thereby secure the heat sink to the printed circuit board. A stopper may be headless, be separable from the push pin, and have a portion, such as a barrel-shaped element, positionable in a throughbore of the push pin that supports the bifurcated end so that movement of the barbed portions toward each other is resisted, thereby securing engagement of the barbed portions with the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A bolt for the detachable connection of two component parts provided with at least one through-hole and a clamping system serving for detachably, rapidly and reliably interconnecting objects provided with through-holes. A plug-in pin includes a bolt housing having through-openings; a clip means supported in the through-openings; and a clamping device arranged in the housing's interior and provided with an external thread, which meshes with an internal thread of the housing and during clamping, forces the clip means out of the housing such that an outer portion of the clip means protrudes from the through-openings. The clip means is made at least as one sliding element supported in the bolt housing in a rotationally fixed fashion and the sliding element's outer portion has a support surface in the form of a lateral area segment of a truncated cone or an annular support surface.

Abstract: A computer controlled robot system for positioning a patient for radiation therapy or other medical procedures and the like. The robot is mounted at the top of a vertical shaft extending from the treatment room floor and includes horizontal arms arranged to maximize the available work envelope and eliminate “dead spots” in the envelope that the robot cannot reach. A double redundant coupling system for coupling devices to the robot is provided. A vision based docking system is employed for automatically coupling devices to the robot. Various enhanced safety features are provided, including device specific collision avoidance.

Abstract: A locking pin is provided for securing movable mechanical components, and includes a tubular body defining an axial passageway. The tubular body has an actuating end and a tapered working end opposite the actuating end, and has at least one latch opening proximate the working end. The pin has a spindle constructed and arranged for reciprocation in the passageway, as well as at least one locking element, each positioned within the passageway at a corresponding latch opening, and being urged toward the corresponding latch opening by the spindle. A cap is fastened to the working end for restricting entry of contaminants into the passageway.

Abstract: A ball hitch has an actuator substantially disposed in a towing ball member. The actuator includes a pivotable handle, which in the stowed position forms part of the outer profile of the ball, but which can be pivoted upward to be used to rotate a shaft portion of the actuator. As the shaft rotates, it rotates a paddle with a cam surface housed in a support base for the ball hitch, which pushes on two interference balls. In the stowed position, the cam surface maintains the interference balls projecting outward from openings in the support base to secure the ball hitch into the towing vehicle. When the actuator turns the shaft, the cam surface allows the balls to retract into the support base without changing elevation of the shaft and cam surface.

Abstract: A handheld surgical device includes a multi-position throttle, rotatably attached to the body of the device, to allow for ambidextrous positioning of a motor speed control lever. The motor speed control lever may interact with a speed control sensor in the body of the device capable of detecting the actuation level of the motor speed control lever in any one of two or more positions.

Abstract: An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a ball partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.

Abstract: A hold-down assembly for retaining a portable electronic unit within an avionics equipment mounting tray includes a shaft, a locking collar, and an actuator knob. The shaft is coupled to pivot with the mounting tray. The locking collar slides along the shaft to engage the portable electronic unit. The actuator knob includes a knob body, a ratchet plate having detent holes within the knob body, a ball bearing, and a compression spring within the knob body. As the actuator knob is rotated to move along the shaft, the knob body and the ball bearing rotate with respect to the ratchet plate, and the ball bearing is forced against a spring bias of the compression spring as the ball bearing travels between adjacent detent holes.

Abstract: A joint recognition member is revealed. The joint recognition member includes a joint body formed by a cylinder connected with a polygonal prism. A polygonal hole with a magnet part is set on the cylinder so as to attract driver bits by magnetic force. The device features on that: a narrow neck part with a ring groove is arranged at one end of the cylinder near the polygonal prism. The ring is wrapped around the narrow neck part and outside diameter of the ring is no smaller than that of the cylinder. A protruding ring on the ring is mounted and moved freely in the ring groove. An outer surface of the ring is labeled with words such as size. According to the corresponding polygonal hole, the ring has different shapes and sizes in various colors for fast recognition.

Abstract: A compensation device configured to be positioned between a robotic arm and a robotic tool. The device may be configured to directly attach to the tool, or may be configured to be positioned away from the tool. The device generally includes a first section that connects to the robotic arm and a second section that connects to the tool. The second section is movable relative to the first section to provide for the tool to be positioned at various orientations. The second section may comply rotationally about a first axis. The second section may be movable in a second plane. In one embodiment, the second plane is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A plurality of humidity control chambers are provided in a casing. An open/close damper is provided for each of a plurality of air flow ports communicating with the humidity control chambers. Adjacent dampers of the plurality of dampers are separably coupled together by a coupling member.

Abstract: A pull pin is configured to lock in a forward position to prevent accidental or undesirable retraction of the pull pin. The pull pin has a housing, a pull pin shaft, an inner shaft, a first and second spring, and at least one ball bearing. The housing has a ball locking space, which holds the ball bearing between the locking space and a ball aperture formed in the pull pin shaft to thereby lock the pull pin shaft in the forward position. Only upon the application of an external force to the inner shaft, which aligns a ball release portion with the ball aperture, can the ball bearing move into the ball release portion and thereby move out of said locking space, allowing for the retraction of the pull pin shaft.

Abstract: A coupling assurance assembly for an intermediate shaft in a steering column is provided. The assembly includes a shaft having a longitudinal bore extending a first longitudinal axis and a fastening receptacle for receiving a fastener, a yoke having a cross hole for receiving the fastener, and a biasing device configured to urge the shaft and the yoke apart from each other.

Abstract: A clamping assembly which includes a first member that has a housing and a plunger that reciprocates within the housing. The first member further includes a first biasing member that biases the plunger in a first direction and a second biasing member that biases the plunger in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The first member further includes a bearing positioned within a cavity in the housing such that the bearing reciprocates within the cavity in a third direction that is partially orthogonal to the first and second directions. The plunger includes a first surface that applies a first force to the bearing that is at least partially in the third direction. The clamping assembly further includes a second member that includes a second surface that engages the bearing. The bearing applies a second force to the second surface of the second member that is at least partially in the second direction.

Abstract: A push-lock pin for connecting a plate to surface includes a cylindrical pin housing and a shaft within the housing. The shaft has a ball-lock mechanism and a push-down pop-up mechanism.

Abstract: A quick disconnect device for detachably holding a long gun or other elongated emergency tool (EET). The quick disconnect device receives and captures the ball of a ball-and-stem structure that is attached to the EET. The quick disconnect device may allow the EET to rotate about the central axis of the stem, but otherwise prevents relative translational and rotational motion between the EET and the quick disconnect device. The quick disconnect device is especially suitable for mounting to clothing, such as a utility belt or a ballistic vest. the quick disconnect device allows the EET to be inserted without requiring the user to directly manipulate the quick connection device, but requires the user to manipulate some sort of mechanism on the quick connect device in order to release the EET.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a housing, a pintle and a locking feature. The housing includes a shaft, a central bore that extends axially at least partially through the housing and a ball lock aperture extending from the bore radially out through the shaft. The pintle is positioned within the bore and includes an actuation end and a rod that extends axially from the actuation end. The rod includes a ball transitioning surface and a ball locking surface. The pintle is moveable axially within the bore between a designated lock position where the ball locking surface of the pintle is aligned in register with each ball lock aperture urging a locking ball through the ball lock aperture, and a designated unlocked position where the ball lock surface of the pintle is moved axially away from each ball lock aperture allowing the locking ball to recess into the housing.

Abstract: A quick release extension rod with a positioning structure comprises a body, a return member, an inserting rod, an even number of balls, a positioning ring, a control ring assembly, four elastic members and a C-shaped retainer. The balls are disposed on the connecting head of the inserting rod, so that the radial interval between the socket and the connecting head of the base of the quick release extension rod can be evenly distributed. When the socket rotates, the arrangement of an even number of balls can reduce the possibility of the asymmetrical-center-of-gravity caused oscillation. The four elastic members are disposed between the control ring assembly and the body to push the socket can be abutted against the control ring assembly to delimitate the axial interval, which further stabilize the center of gravity of rotation of the socket while preventing the occurrence of oscillation of the socket.

Abstract: A quick coupling for a shaft includes a male coupling having a locking portion with a locking groove formed thereon. A female coupling includes a female body having an interior surface bounding a socket. A tapered port is formed on the female body and extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface thereof. The locking portion of the male coupling is received within the socket so that the tapered port is aligned with the locking groove. A ball bearing is disposed within the tapered port so that a portion of the ball bearing can project into the socket and into the locking groove. A locking sleeve is slidably mounted along the female body so as to cover and interact with the ball bearing.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical retractor clamping mechanism for attaching mechanism to an operating table. The mechanism includes an upper jaw, lower jaw, a drive member, an adjustable frame support post and a releasable clamp for adjusting the height of the surgical retracting frame. The upper portion of the lower jaw has a plurality of slots cut into the sidewalls of upper jaw to form at least one flexible finger. The clamp is in close sliding relationship to the upper portion of lower jaw member. The clamp includes a cam lever. Movement of the cam lever to its closed position compresses the clamp causing the flexible fingers to grip the adjustable post locking its longitudinal movement. Rotation of the cam lever to the open position releases the compressive force on the clamp, unlocking the adjustable post allowing the post to be longitudinally adjusted relative to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An extension bar includes a rod having an outer periphery thereof including a recess and a positioning track extended thereon. The recess defines a first contact section and a second contact section disposed after the first contact section longitudinally. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the rod and includes an orifice extended radially therethrough. A stopper is movably engaged with and disposed at a fixed predetermined position on the positioning track. A detent is engaged between the rod and the sleeve and movably engaged in the recess and the orifice. A biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the stopper.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a lock housing and an activation shaft. The lock housing defines first and second axes, each being different than the other. The lock housing includes an inner mechanism housing wall, a hollow conduit defined by the inner mechanism housing wall, and a channel. The channel is defined by a portion of the inner mechanism housing wall and has first and second portions, where the first portion extends along the first axis and the second portion extends along the second axis. The activation shaft is at least partially surrounded by the hollow conduit and includes a shoulder protruding from the activation shaft towards the channel of the inner mechanism housing wall. In an unlock position, the shoulder is freely manipulatable within the first portion of the channel along the first axis, and in a lock position the shoulder is prevented from moving along the first axis.

Abstract: In a robotic tool changer, a rotating cam surface ring having a plurality of surfaces formed therein urges a plurality of ball members in one tool coupling unit radially to contact a coupling surface in the other tool coupling unit. Mechanical energy captured and stored upon decoupling the units is used by an actuation mechanism, upon manual initiation, to at least partially automatically couple the two units by partially rotating the rotating cam surface ring. Further manual rotation of the cam member exerts a radial force through the ball members onto the coupling surface. A component of that force is directed by the coupling surface toward the opposite tool coupling unit, locking the two units together.

Abstract: A manually actuated robotic tool changer includes a rapid coupling mechanism. The tool changer includes a master unit having a piston moveable along its axis between an unlocked position and a fully locked position, and a tool unit that is coupled to the master unit when the units are adjacent and the piston is moved to the fully locked position. A piston movement control mechanism selectively allows free axial motion of the piston between the unlocked position and a nearly locked position, when the control mechanism is actuated. The piston may be biased toward the locked position, allowing the master and tool units to be rapidly coupled by positioning the units adjacently, actuating the control mechanism to allow the piston to rapidly advance to a nearly locked position, releasing the control mechanism to restrict free axial motion of the piston, and manually advancing the piston to a fully locked position.