Abstract: A guide rail for a gantry system includes a support structure having an elongated support surface and a plate having a precision surface relative to the elongated support surface. A filler material bonds the plate to the elongated support surface. The filler material can have a varying thickness along the elongated support surface to maintain a desired orientation of the plate. A method of constructing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A gantry segmented support structure is provided with overlapping wall plates that can include a damping material disposed therebetween. The structure forms a tube assembly, which when configured with the damping material is adapted to dampen forces resulting from performing operations on a workpiece. In particular, the damping prevents unwanted oscillatory displacement of the segmented support structure. The overlapping wall plates allow a housing created thereby to be attached to a rigid plate without inducing strain in the rigid plate that can deform the rigid plate. This construction eliminates manufacturing of bulky weldments, which thereby reduces costs. A method of assembly and a fixture are also provided.

Abstract: A telescoping tube assembly includes a first longitudinal tube section and a second longitudinal tube section disposed within the first longitudinal tube section and adapted for telescoping motion into and out of the first longitudinal tube section. A third longitudinal tube section is disposed within the second longitudinal tube section and is adapted for telescoping motion into and out of the second longitudinal tube section. A drive motor is joined to the second longitudinal tube section to move therewith and operates a first ball-screw assembly and a second ball-screw assembly. The first ball-screw assembly is operatively connected between the first longitudinal tube section and the second longitudinal tube section. The second ball-screw assembly is operatively connected between the second longitudinal tube section and the third longitudinal tube section.

Abstract: A system for performing work in a hot cell includes a support arm having a first end and a second end and a movable arm having an end selectively engageable with the first end to form a rigid connection. Complementary coupling devices are disposed on the first end of the support arm and on the end of the movable arm and mate together when the movable arm is joined to the support arm.

Abstract: A manipulator system includes an elongated mast having a mast axis and a telescoping tube assembly having a tube axis. The telescoping tube assembly includes an outer tube section and at least one inner tube section that only moves telescopically with respect to the outer tube section. The telescoping tube assembly is joined to an end of the elongated mast for only pivotal movement. An actuator joined to the elongated mast and the outer tube section pivots the telescoping tube assembly from a first position, wherein the tube axis is parallel to the mast axis and the telescoping tube assembly is retracted, to a second position, wherein the tube axis is perpendicular to the mast axis and the inner tube section is deployable. An end effector is joined to a remote end of the inner tube section to perform work within the tank.