Abstract
A de-coupling mechanism (84) includes a link (86) slidably received in a link aperture (14) of a bracket member (88). A pin (90) is slidably received in a pin bore (20) of the link (86) and a receiving bore (22) of the bracket (88). A first block (112) is connected to the bracket (88) and includes an initiator receiving passage (114) in communication with the pin bore (20). A spring retention member (102) is connected to the member (88) and includes a stepped portion (100) having a step diameter smaller than a pin diameter, wherein the spring retention member (102) connects at an end opposite the pin (90) to an end cap (120) wherein the end cap (120) includes an open passage (122) that vents stepped portion (100) to atmosphere. A channel (106) is created in the link (86) in communication with the pin bore (20) created in the link (86). An initiator (94) is positioned in the initiator receiving passage (114) and retained against a connecting passage (32) edge The initiator (94) when actuated releases a pressurized gas (51) to displace the pin (90) out of the pin bore (20) and freely displaces the pin (90) into the spring retention member (102) and thereby releases the link (86) from the first position.