Patent ID: 6951270

Claim:
An actuator for a traction device comprising: a locking clutch adapted for operative communication with a traction device; a drive disc having at least one drive tab, said drive tab projecting axially into driving engagement with said locking clutch, and said drive disc having a seat with an inner face; a drive shaft having a cam, said cam having an outer face and said cam being disposed within said seat of said drive disc such that said outer face of said cam and said inner face of said seat define at least one constricting channel, said cam further having a projection; a fixed stop; a locking element disposed within said constricting channel adjacent said fixed stop; and a spring disposed between said projection of said cam and said locking element such that rotational force on said cam in a first direction rotates said locking clutch and applies traction to said traction device, and such that after said rotational force is released, said spring biases said cam back towards a starting position.