Patent ID: 7810555

Claim:
An injector comprising: a plurality of axially spaced gripping members, wherein each of the plurality of gripping members removably binds an outer surface of an elongated round flexible member; at least one actuator engaged with the plurality of gripping members in a manner that allows the plurality of gripping members to bind or release the elongated round flexible member, wherein each gripping member in the plurality of gripping members comprises a plurality of wedge shaped surfaces in contact with a corresponding plurality of wedge shaped surfaces on the at least one actuator, such that a sliding engagement of the wedge shaped surfaces of the plurality of gripping members with the wedge shaped surfaces of the at least one actuator causes the plurality of gripping members to bind or release the elongated round flexible member; and at least one reciprocator for translating the plurality of gripping members, wherein said translating causes the elongated round flexible member to translate when the plurality of gripping members bind the outer surface of the elongated round flexible member, and wherein said translating causes the plurality of gripping members to reset when the plurality of gripping members release the outer surface of the elongated round flexible member.