Force-transmission mechanism using flatted barrel elements

A force-transmission mechanism comprising, in combination:

• a supporting member having a longitudinal axis;
• a flange portion extending circumferentially about said supporting member, coaxially with said longitudinal axis, and fixed thereon against axial movement in at least a rearward direction, said flange portion providing a generally annular forward-facing bearing surface;
• a pressure collar slidably mounted for limited axial movement on said supporting member and having a generally annular bearing surface disposed coaxially with said longitudinal axis in confronting relationship to said flange portion bearing surface, so as to cooperatively define therebetween an inwardly tapered circumferential channel;
• a multiplicity of substantially identical wedge members disposed in a circular array about said supporting member for radial movement within said channel and conforming generally thereto, each of said wedge members being of generally flatted barrel-shaped form and having a central axis disposed substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said supporting member, said each wedge member having a circular cross-sectional configuration, taken in transaxial planes to which said central axis is normal, and having a substantially convex cross-sectional configuration taken in axial planes in which said central axis lies, said each wedge member deviating from true convex form by having a cylindrical central portion which merges smoothly into end portions that taper therefrom in opposite directions, said central portion providing, in said axial planes, rectilinear line contact elements lying intermediate of arcuate line contact elements provided by said end portions;
• and an operating member slidably mounted for movement on said longitudinal axis relative to said supporting member, and having a sidewall portion extending over said wedge members and defining a compound circular recess therewithin, said compound recess being comprised of a relatively large radius forward section, a relatively small radius rearward section, and a transition section therebetween, said operating member being movable between a rearward, open position in which said forward section of said recess is disposed over said circumferential channel, and a forward, closed position in which said rearward section is disposed over said channel, the relatively large dimensions of said forward section of said recess permitting said wedge members to assume radially outward positions within said channel, relative to said longitudinal axis, with said operating member in said open position, and the relatively small dimensions of said rearward section forcing said wedge members to radially inward positions with said operating member in said closed position thereof, said wedge members being dimensioned to act upon said bearing surfaces of said flange portion and said pressure collar to shift said pressure collar forwardly in said closed position of said operating member.