Patent ID: 7048047

Claim:
A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a passage, the gripper assembly having an actuated position in which the gripper assembly substantially prevents movement between the gripper assembly and an inner surface of the passage, and a retracted position in which the gripper assembly permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper assembly and the inner surface of the passage, the gripper assembly comprising: an elongated mandrel configured to be engaged with respect to the tool; an elongated engagement member having ends pivotably secured to elements of the gripper assembly; a driver longitudinally slidable with respect to the mandrel; and a driver interaction element on a radially inner surface of the engagement member, the driver interaction element configured to interact with the driver; wherein longitudinal movement of the driver causes interaction between the driver and the driver interaction element substantially without sliding friction therebetween, the interaction varying the radial position of a portion of the engagement member.