Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: A top nozzle adapter plate for use in a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor includes an upper structural component and a lower functional component supported from the upper component. The fuel assembly has elongated structural members and fuel rods disposed in a predetermined array. The upper structural component of the adapter plate includes spaced and interconnected hubs and ligaments arranged to define substantial open areas for coolant flow therethrough while providing a rigid framework capable of transmitting lifting loads imposed by the fuel assembly. The hubs are connected to the elongated structural members of the fuel assembly.

Abstract: A water cross for delivering non-boiling water to the center of a BWR fuel assembly for improved moderation and fuel economy. A cruciform skeleton is assembled from grid straps and connecting straps positioned at axial locations along stiffening rods. The skeleton is inserted into a flow channel to provide support for rectangular or square water tubes which are inserted through the skeleton into the flow channel to form an internal water cross. A method for forming a water cross is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improvement in a barge-carrying flotation-loaded waterborne vessel. A hollow interior defines upper and lower longitudinal barge holds arranged in vertical rows of aligned tiers, each hold being flooded during the time it is loaded and unloaded. There is at least one loading lock at one end of the vessel for enabling flotation loading of each vertical row of barge holds; each lock has a pair of side bulkheads and a bottom, and gate means for separating the lock from and opening it to the outside for flotation loading and unloading of one barge at a time. There is also a separate lock gate for each tier of each row for connecting a hold of each row to a lock. In each lock there are sets of barge support panels, each pivotally attached by a horizontal longitudinally extending pivot to one of the side bulkheads, at least one set being disposed on each side of the lock adjacent to and approximately on a level with each upper longitudinal barge hold.

Abstract: A barge-carrying vessel of the flotation loading and unloading type. Each barge-stowage hold has parallel, vertical side walls that are only slightly further apart from each other than the width of the barges to be stowed. The barges are held down against the bottom of the hold, enabling transfer of buoyancy from the barges to the vessel when the hold is flooded. For this purpose, a series of guides is secured to one side wall of the hold, each guide comprising a pair of parallel vertical tracks. In between each pair of tracks is a wedge having a sloping outer face for engagement with a barge in a wedging manner to force this barge against the opposite side wall. The wedges are raised and lowered as needed, and are positively secured in place in their barge-hold down position.

Abstract: A transportation method and a barge-carrying waterborne vessel in which there is flotation loading and unloading, with the loading being assisted by water flow from the gate into the flooded vessel and toward the opposite end of the vessel from the gate. For unloading, the water flows in the opposite direction, toward the gate. Preferably, loading is through a gate in the stern while water is being pumped out from a sump at the forward end of a hold. When barges are fully loaded into the hold, the stern gate is closed and the hold may be dried out; then the barges are secured in place against movement relative to the vessel. There may be more than one hold having at least one longitudinal bulkhead dividing the holds. There may be either a separate gate for each hold or a transfer system in which each longitudinal bulkhead has an archway providing a passageway joining adjacent holds. During lateral transfer water jets may play against the sides of the barge to cause lateral movement.

Abstract: A transportation method and barge-carrying water-borne vessel therefor having a hull with rigid supporting and hull-reinforcing structure, a bow, a stern, and side walls providing a series of buoyancy compartments. The hull has a hollow interior defining at least one hold extending most of the length of said vessel. The bottom of the hold is always below the level of the sea. Water can be placed from the sea into the hold and can be pumped out from it. A gate at one end of the vessel is opened for flotation loading of the hold, when the hold is partially flooded, with buoyant cargo carriers such as barges, lighters and pontoons. Each such carrier may be held down against the bottom of the hold. A collision bulkhead located adjacent the gate enables closing the hold off in a watertight manner, and this collision bulkhead can be opened to enable the flotation loading and unloading.

Abstract: An arrangement for applying a constant load on the probe of a coordinate measurement machine to eliminate errors caused by operator hand pressure when the probe is manually moved into engagement with a part being measured. In coordinate measurement machines, a carriage movable in the Y axis direction bridges the part being measured. A probe on the carriage is movable in the X axis direction thereby permitting probe movement in any quadrant in X-Y axis directions. To eliminate measurement errors in the Y axis direction, a constant load is applied to the probe by a pair of spring motors mounted on opposite ends of the machine. These spring motors are connected by spring motor cables to the carriage. When the back cable is attached to the carriage, the applied force urges it in the +Y axis direction, and the front cable when attached, urges the probe in the -Y axis direction. To apply a constant load on the probe in the X axis direction, spring motors are mounted on opposite ends of the carriage.

Abstract: A vessel for transporting, on a body of water, cargo consisting of barges, pontoons, and lighters, and other floating cargoes. The hull has a bow, a stern, and water-tight buoyancy compartments in side walls. The hull also has a perforate bottom shell with rigid supporting and reinforcing structure, enabling the cargo hold to be flooded and open to the sea under all conditions while loading, in transit, and during discharge. A hinged gate is provided at either or both ends of the hull for rapid flotation loading and unloading of the floating cargo, and each gate closed during transportation of the cargo. The vessel carries means for moving the cargo into, out of, and within the hold. A series of vertical pistons secure the floating cargo units by exerting a downward force to bring the cargo to bear on the hull structure. The water in the hold, having communication with the sea, provides buoyancy for the cargoes secured therein.