Abstract: A reactor vessel cutting device, including a hoist system; a mechanical cutter; and a cutter carriage secured to the hoist system to be suspended by the hoist system. The cutter is secured to a carriage body of the cutter carriage to be carried by the carriage body. The cutter carriage includes a stabilization system secured to the carriage body and operable to hold the cutter carriage against a vessel wall of the reactor vessel. The cutter carriage is operable to apply the cutter to the vessel wall in a mechanical cutting operation when the cutter carriage is held against the vessel wall by the stabilization system. The hoist system is configured to bear the weight of the cutter and the cutter carriage during the mechanical cutting operation and the stabilization system is configured to carry cutting forces generated during the mechanical cutting operation.

Abstract: A system includes a first platform movably mounted to a first rail assembly, a second rail assembly coupled to and supported by the first platform, and a second platform movably mounted to the second rail assembly. At least one articulating arm is coupled to the second platform, and a gripping and cutting apparatus is coupled to and supported by the at least one articulating arm. An apparatus includes first and second gripping mechanisms each configured for selective actuation between positions for gripping and releasing an object, and a cutting mechanism positioned generally between the first and second gripping mechanisms, and configured to cut the object when gripped on either side by the gripping mechanisms. The system and apparatus can be used to remove feeder pipes of a nuclear reactor power plant.

Abstract: A system includes a first platform movably mounted to a first rail assembly, a second rail assembly coupled to and supported by the first platform, and a second platform movably mounted to the second rail assembly. At least one articulating arm is coupled to the second platform, and a gripping and cutting apparatus is coupled to and supported by the at least one articulating arm. An apparatus includes first and second gripping mechanisms each configured for selective actuation between positions for gripping and releasing an object, and a cutting mechanism positioned generally between the first and second gripping mechanisms, and configured to cut the object when gripped on either side by the gripping mechanisms. The system and apparatus can be used to remove feeder pipes of a nuclear reactor power plant.