Stiffening probe and tensioning device therefor

Abstract

A stiffening probe and tensioning device for use therewith. The probe comprises an elongated casing and a core longitudinally extending through the casing. This core includes front and back end portions respectively extending forward of and rearward of the casing, and respectively supported for longitudinal sliding movement relative to front and back ends of the casing. A stop element is connected to the front end portion of the core to limit rearward movement of that front end portion relative to the casing, and another stop element is connected to the back end portion of the core to facilitate pulling the core rearward relative to the casing. The tensioning device comprises a frame including front and back end pieces, and front and back thrust pieces mounted on and longitudinally displaceable along the frame. A spring is held between the front end and front thrust pieces, and another spring is held between the back end and back thrust pieces. A bolt extends through the back end piece and threadably engages the back thrust piece to move the front and back thrust pieces along the frame. A holding device is connected to the front end piece to hold the casing of the stiffening probe, and another holding device is connected to the back thrust piece to hold the core of the stiffening probe.