Abstract: The proposed gripping means of a refuelling machine for a nuclear reactor is arranged in a manipulator tube of the machine. Longitudinally extending grooves are provided on the internal surface of the manipulator tube. The gripping means comprises a housing which accommodates a slider with thrust pins which are in contact with the longitudinally extending grooves of the manipulator tube. A working member is secured at one end of the slider. At the opposite end of the slider there is provided a hole to receive a spherical lug provided on a rod. The latter is mounted on the housing of the gripping means and is driven by the machine's drive. The spherical lug of the rod is in contact with the surface of the slider, thus forming an articulated joint, whereby the slider is mechanically coupled to the rod.

Abstract: The proposed system for handling fuel assemblies of a nuclear reactor comprises a sealed chamber housing a recharging machine comprising a carrier tube, wherein there is arranged a manipulator tube interacting with a reduction gear. Inside the manipulator tube there is a grip suspended on a chain interacting with another reduction gear. Extending through an opening in the cover of the sealed chamber is a vertical rotary tube with a bracket mounted thereon. The carrier tube is suspended on the bracket. Installed in the wall of the sealed chamber are inductive transmitters of the manipulator tube position. The system further includes three drives located outside the sealed chamber, of which two are kinematically coupled to the reduction gears, respectively. The third drive is kinematically coupled to the vertical rotary tube and turns the tube through a prescribed angle.