Abstract: A barrier control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a barrier are provided to allow a user the ability to move a barrier without physically contacting the barrier. For example, the barrier control apparatus maintains a defined distance between an object such as a hand and a defined location relative to the barrier such that movement of the barrier follows movement of the object. In this way, a user is able to maintain control of the movement of the barrier throughout the opening and closing process. The barrier control apparatus is further able to detect gestures made by the user and can control movement of the barrier accordingly.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal plug from a conduit includes the steps of simultaneously applying a static pull force and repetitive impulses to the plug. The method is particularly suited to removing a plug from a heat exchanger tube in a nuclear powered steam generator. A tool for practicing the method on such plugs includes a first hydraulic actuator for first moving an expansion member out of engagement with an interior plug wall, a second hydraulic actuator capable of attachment to the plug for applying a static pull force to the plug, and an arrangement connecting an air impact tool to the second hydraulic actuator for applying, simultaneously with the static force, high-frequency impulses to the plug entirely through solid members.

Abstract: A tool for removing a metal plug from a tube with repeated pulling impulses includes a pneumatic cylinder defining an interior, cylindrical chamber. A distal end surface of the cylinder defines an anvil. A cylindrical slug, or hammer, is sealingly slidable within the chamber in response to a pressure difference above and below the hammer within the chamber. The cylinder is rigidly connected to the plug so as to hang therefrom, the weight of the cylinder providing a static pull force working in conjunction with the pulling impulses. A pulling impulse is provided by first raising the hammer above the anvil by pneumatically creating a first pressure difference wherein the pressure below the hammer is greater than the pressure above the hammer, then creating a second pressure difference wherein the pressure below the hammer is no greater than the pressure above the hammer in order to drive the hammer against the anvil at speed.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal plug from a conduit includes the steps of simultaneously applying a static pull force and repetitive impulses to the plug. The method is particularly suited to removing a plug from a heat exchanger tube in a nuclear powered steam generator. A tool for practicing the method on such plugs includes a first hydraulic actuator for first moving an expansion member out of engagement with an interior plug wall, a second hydraulic actuator capable of attachment to the plug for applying a static pull force to the plug, and an arrangement connecting an air impact tool to the second hydraulic actuator for applying, simultaneously with the static force, high-frequency impulses to the plug entirely through solid members.