Patent ID: 8113557
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
1. A wire gripping assembly, comprising: a drive cylinder having an open interior, a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet; a drive piston movable within the open interior of the drive cylinder, wherein the drive piston is moved in a first direction by operation of the first fluid inlet, and further wherein the drive piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction by operation of the second fluid inlet; a rack member securely mounted to the drive piston and movable therewith; a first lever arm and a second lever arm each having a first end pivotable relative to the drive cylinder, wherein the first end of each of the lever arms engages the rack member; and a gripper jaw formed on a second end of each of the lever arms, wherein the rack member is movable with the drive piston to selectively rotate the first and second lever arms between a release position and a gripping position.