Abstract: A system for measuring gap and mismatch by optical triangulation projects two parallel light planes onto the parts to be characterized so as to form two brightness lines. The three-dimensional profiles of the parts are calculated along the brightness lines. Raw values of gap and mismatch are calculated, preferably using particular reference points and lines. These raw values are then corrected by reference to the separation between the light planes and the change in position of a reference point of the profile of one of the parts from one brightness line to the other.

Abstract: A vehicle of the invention comprises at least two transfer arms including means for causing expansible positioning fingers to penetrate into the tubes of a steam generator and for extracting said fingers from said tubes. The vehicle also includes at least two pivoting fastening heads which contain said expansible positioning fingers. The heads are interconnected by one of the telescopic transfer arms, which arms extend perpendicularly to said pivoting heads. The other telescopic transfer arm is fixed to one of the heads and it extends perpendicularly therefrom with its opposite end carrying a tool support. Such a vehicle is particularly suitable for inspecting and maintaining tubes in tube apparatuses, e.g. the steam generators of pressurized water nuclear reactors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool-carrying vehicle for transporting a tool and positioning it over bolt holes in a flange of a vessel, and for moving the tool in translation and/or rotation, the vehicle comprises:a tool-carrying elevator column extending upwards perpendicularly from the vehicle chassis;a tool-passing opening formed through the chassis adjacent to the column and situated in line with the position occupied by a tool fixed to an elevator in the column so as to allow a tool to be passed down through the chassis and inserted into a bolt hole, and to allow it to be raised to its initial position after acting in the hole; andguide wheels and position adjustment templates for guiding and adjusting the position of the chassis on a flange so that a tool lies exactly on the axis of a bolt hole, regardless of the hole diameter.Such a vehicle is particularly suitable for inspecting and maintaining the vessels of steam generators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selectively positioning a tool carried by a vehicle moving on the perforated plate of a bank of tubes, said device being composed of a vehicle comprising transfer members mounted to slide in a central body and comprising on either side thereof jacks extending at right angles to the planes in which said members move and of which the mobile rods of said jacks comprise at their free end positioning fingers, which vehicle is connected by swivel joint means to an articulated telescopic arm comprising means for fixation to the opening giving access to the enclosure, which arm maintains the vehicle, in the course of its displacements in the enclosure, permanently in contact with said perforated plate. The invention is more particularly applicable to the maintenance of apparatus comprising banks of tubes, in particular steam generators of nuclear power stations.