Abstract: Substantially planar bearings are used for the support and rotation of a rotatable shelf in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle, which rotates eccentrically. The bearings may be separate from the rotation guidance system or may be an integral part of it.

Abstract: Substantially planar bearings are used for the support and rotation of a rotatable shelf in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle, which rotates eccentrically. The bearings may be separate from the rotation guidance system or may be an integral part of it.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement system for measuring stator half coils includes a sonic digitizer which makes measurements of the stator half coil. These measurements are provided to a computing apparatus which converts the measured points to corresponding surface points on the surface of the stator half coil and combines the surface points into a measured shape. The measured shape is displayed on a display unit overlayed on the designed shape of the stator half coil for visual comparison of the two shapes. Preferably, the display is in color with different colors used for edges of the measured and designed shapes.

Abstract: An interactive system (10) for facilitating assembly of fuel rods into nuclear fuel assemblies having specific grid location requirements for the fuel rods, includes an operator work station (12) adapted for positioning between a supply of fuel rods and a fuel assembly loading magazine (22). Identifying data with each fuel rod is read by the operator with a manual scanner (24) for input and comparison by a computer (28) with the stored data for the particular fuel assembly to be assembled. The proper grid location for the fuel rod is then displayed on a screen (32) prompting the operator to insert the rod through a prompter/detector apparatus (36) mounted on one end of the magazine. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus (36) includes a pair of motorized, slotted guide bars (54, 56) controlled by the computer (28) to intersect over the proper grid location for the particular fuel rod type.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining dimensions which comprises a measuring module and several gage extenders which can be used either alone or in combination with gaging blocks. The measuring module includes a drum member rotatably mounted on a support and at least one measuring member operably associated with the drum member. At least one end of the measuring member extends from the drum such that for rotational movement of the drum member in a first direction the free end of the measuring member is drawn up onto the drum and for rotational movement in a second direction the free end of the measuring member is played out from the drum member. The drum is rotated at a constant torque and the rotational movement of the drum is transmitted to a rotational position transducer. The rotational position transducer provides an output signal which is used in part to generate an electronic readout reflective of the movement of the measuring member.

Abstract: The identity of a cantilevered end effector support member and its angular position on the platform member of a carriage movable along an arm which is rotatable in a plane parallel to a steam generator tubesheet, are supplied to a tubesheet servicing machine control system in the form of a discrete pattern of electrical signals which is used to determine the offset required in aligning the end effector with a particular point on the tubesheet. The discrete pattern of electrical signals is generated by at least two sensor elements mounted on one of the members, preferably at different radial distances from the pivot axis of the support member. At least two trigger elements are mounted on the other member in such a pattern as to trigger selected sensor elements to produce the discrete pattern of signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning either one of a pair of automatically controlled remote mechanisms for properly positioning the two opposed ends of a common heat exchanger tube within a tube sheet of a steam generator and having a tool for securing the tube therein. The apparatus includes a pair of microswitches precisely positioned closely adjacent the tool on each of said pair of mechanisms. The first switch is actuated upon initial engagement of the tube end and the tool to indicate which of the opposed tube ends is first engaged, and the second switch is actuated upon proper positioning of the tube end within the tube sheet. The method of operation is such that the tube end nearest the tube sheet of the two opposed tube ends to be engaged is the first tube end to be positioned and secured within the tube sheet.

Abstract: An accurately indexed rotatable tool positioning table for use with inspection and repair apparatus remotely disposed within the channel head of a steam generator is shown. The table is automatically rotated by a motor to predetermined positions and an angular position resolving mechanism in engagement therewith provides an output signal responsive to the angular movement for accurate position determination and control. An indexing pin is received in an indexing bushing in the plate to insure accurate, repeatable positioning of the plate, and switch means are associated therewith and operatively connected to the tool energizing circuit to prevent operation of any tool until the indexing pin is properly seated in the bushing and to prevent the positioning motor actuation until the pin is fully withdrawn from the bushing.

Abstract: A remote gaging apparatus for remotely measuring the pellet stack length and plenum length within a nuclear reactor fuel element comprises a housing capable of having a nuclear fuel element inserted therein with a drive mechanism disposed in the housing and attached to a rod having a stop mounted on the rod for selectively inserting the rod into an open end of the nuclear fuel element. The remote gaging apparatus further comprises a measuring device disposed in the housing and associated with the stop for contacting the stop when the rod is inserted into the fuel element thereby measuring the length of insertion of the rod in the fuel element. By determining the length of insertion of the rod in the fuel element, the stack length of nuclear fuel pellets in the fuel element can be determined along with the length of the unfilled plenum of the nuclear fuel element.

Abstract: A remotely operated tool and tool support for positioning heat exchanger tube ends within a tube sheet of a steam generator and expanding the tube end into intimate contact with the tube sheet. The tool includes a tool head for insertion into the vertically extending tubes and a drive means which is supported horizontally by the tool support. The tool head is supported for vertical movement with respect to the drive means and right angle gear means are interposed therebetween in a vertically movable mount to permit such relative movement. Switch means responsive to the relative positions of the tool head, drive means, and right angle gear means indicate each is in a proper position to initiate or terminate the operation of the tool.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for loading a predetermined amount of nuclear fuel pellets into a nuclear fuel element to be used in a nuclear reactor. The apparatus consists of a vibratory bed capable of supporting corrugated trays containing rows of nuclear fuel pellets and arranged in alignment with the open ends of several nuclear fuel elements. A sweep mechanism is arranged above the trays and serves to sweep the rows of fuel pellets onto the vibratory bed and into the fuel element. A length detecting system, in conjunction with a pellet stopping mechanism, is also provided to assure that a predetermined amount of nuclear fuel pellets are loaded into each fuel element.

Abstract: An automated system for transporting nuclear fuel elements between fuel element assembly stations without contaminating the area outside the sealed assembly stations. The system comprises a plurality of assembly stations connected together by an elongated horizontal sealing mechanism and an automatic transport mechanism for transporting a nuclear fuel element in a horizontal attitude between the assembly stations while the open end of the fuel element extends through the sealing mechanism into the assembly station enclosure. The sealing mechanism allows the fuel element to be advanced by the transport mechanism while limiting the escape of radioactive particles from within the assembly station enclosure.