Patent ID: 7377412

Claim:
A tensioner for deploying an elongate member comprising: i) an endless track including a plurality of traction elements, each traction element comprising: a base unit having at least a first gripping surface; a first moveable arm pivotally attached through a pivot axis to the base unit; and a second arm attached to the base unit, the respective first and second arms each including a further gripping surface, the first and second arms being arranged at respective sides of the base unit, the first arm being operatively moveable with respect to the base unit about said pivot axis between a first position in which the further gripping surface of said first arm is spaced from the member and a second position in which said further gripping surface of said first arm can contact the member; ii) drive means for driving the track so that the traction elements move along an endless path, said endless path including a path segment along which said first gripping surfaces operatively contact the member; iii) first guide means which operatively co-operates with the respective first arms to urge the first arms to move with respect to the respective base portions to which they are attached from said first position to said second position such that the first arms are maintained in said second position by said guide means as the traction elements move along said path segment; and iv) second guide means which operatively co-operates with said respective second arms to form for each second arm in said path segment, a reaction surface for a reaction force substantially normal to said surface and to the longitudinal axis of the member.