| 摘要 |
A snake assembly includes a plurality of elements (6) threaded on to a tensioning cable (12). The elements (6) can be inclined relative to one another to allow the snake to adopt any desired curvature. When a tensioning device (20) is operated, the elements (6) are urged together so that they lock the snake in the curvature pattern adopted. The contacting surfaces of the elements (6) are coated with smooth globules of tungsten or tungsten carbide. This provides the surface with an undulating random wave like topography. The effect is to provide a strong clamping action for a relatively low tensioning force in any relative position. |
