Abstract: A tool (7) for sampling or extracting the contents of a pit (4) is suspended from a cable (8) passing through a narrow opening (3) in a slab (2) covering the pit. A crosspiece (13) hooked to guide cables (11) which converge on it makes it possible to displace the lifting cable (8) under the slab (2) according to different movements imposed by winches (10). Thus it is possible to move the tool (7) to the desired point with great precision and without having to descend into the pit (4).

Abstract: An instrument (1) is lowered into a tank with a narrow opening (4) guided by an articulated arm (11) mounted on a mobile trolley on the periphery of the opening. The rotation of the arm consecutive to this movement and the pivoting of the lower section (13) around the articulation (14) place the instrument (1) vertically above the required place, by means of a simple control if expressed in polar co-ordinates. Application to taking samples and inspections in tanks containing dangerous waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for blind placement of a cable under a slab (14) such as a slab closing off a storage silo for the storage of noxious products, between two openings (24, 34). A target (42) is lowered through one (24) of the openings and a gun (38) is lowered through the other opening (34). The target (42) and the gun (38) are rotated to face each other and a projectile such as a harpoon (40) is then fired with a gun towards the target, after attaching a hemp rope (44) to the harpoon. After lifting the target (42) above the slab (14) and disconnecting the harpoon (40), the cable is attached to the other end of the hemp rope and the hemp rope is pulled through the opening (24) until the cable is put into place.

Abstract: A device for taking samples of noxious liquids, notably radioactive liquids. A protective enclosure (7) contains notably a circulation unit (10) in the form of a jet pump supplied by a driving arm (19). The liquid to be analysed is aspirated by an aspiration arm (17) and discharged with a drive liquid via a return arm (18). A sampling flask is pressed under a support plate (9) where the aspiration and return arms (17 and 18) emerge and closes the sampling circuit. This method is recommended above all for viscous liquids, liquid sludges and liquids charged with large size solid particles, since the sample only passes through pipes of an adequate diameter and is not subjected to any mixing or disturbance. A correct sampling is therefore ensured.

Abstract: A compacting method and apparatus particularly adapted to compacting hazardous materials, and in particular radioactive waste, in which a container (1, 1', 1", 1"') is compacted inside a compacting skirt (20) by cooperation between a support surface (7) on which the compacting skirt (20) with the container (1') is placed and a compactor (9) disposed faing the support surface (7) and displaceable along a vertical axis inside the compacting skirt (20). According to the compacting method the compacting skirt (20) containing the container (1, 1', 1", 1"') is moved in translation, in particular between a loading station (I) for loading the container (1), a compacting station (II) where the container (1') is compacted, and an unmolding station (III) for unmolding the compacted container (1") and for evacuating the compacted container (1"') downwards.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pusher placed in a magazine for irradiated fuel elements which allows displacement thereof for the cutting operations. The pusher according to the invention allows the displacement of elements of small section in a magazine of large section. At the end of a cutting operation, the pusher applies its blank against the auxiliary holding clamp forming a continuous surface and the element is pushed by a blade, the body of the pusher being immobilized.