Reminds me of the Pentax 1.7x AF teleconverter which allowed any manual focus K mount lens to be focussed automatically by a Pentax AF SLR (within limits and with a 1.7x conversion). It is still sought after today:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Pentax-Rear-Teleconverter-F-1.7x-Autofocus-Adapter.html
Nikon and Sigma also made a similar device as a 1.6x AF teleconverter .
I think Nikon was first with the Nikon F manual focus lens to A/F body , then Sigma copied it to make a Nikon F to Minolta A-mount A/F converter and Minolta SR ( manual focus mount , A.K.A MD ) to Minolta A-mount A/F body .
All three work the the same . The lens unit inside it moves back and forward when the shutter release button is half pressed to enable auto focus .
As they have limited movement with anything other than wide angle lenses it's best to partially prefocus so only a bit of correction is needed .
I have all three and I use them from time to time with longer , faster primes , O.E.M , Tamron adaptall and M42 lenses .
They do quite a good job and work with some film cameras and some digital cameras .
I imagine the adapter in this thread would be used in the same manner , partially pre-focus and then let A/F take over .