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.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning heat exchanger tubes and in particular an improved collection system for nuclear generator cleaning and blasting media and deposit material. A suction line having a downwardly directed suction inlet is effective to vacuum airborne media and debris in said chamber and vacuum media and debris deposited on the bottom of said chamber below said suction inlet. A hopper, air jet and shaker means are provided to transport deposited media and debris toward the suction inlet. Breaker and partition means are provided to reduce back-streaming of debris into heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning heat exchanger tubes and in particular an improved collection system for nuclear generator cleaning and blasting media and deposit material. A suction line having a downwardly directed suction inlet is effective to vacuum airborne media and debris in said chamber and vacuum media and debris deposited on the bottom of said chamber below said suction inlet. A hopper, air jet and shaker means are provided to transport deposited media and debris toward the suction inlet. Breaker and partition means are provided to reduce back-streaming of debris into heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: Metals and metal alloys are recovered from waste fluids, which contain metal ions and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. Such waste fluids are exposed to short wavelength UV irradiation and ozone to oxidize the heterocyclic nitrogen compounds and the metals or metal alloys are recovered electrolytically.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalyst compositions suitable for depositing electroless metal seed layers and for enhancing discontinuous seed layers. Also disclosed are methods of depositing electroless seed layers and enhancing discontinuous seed layers.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalyst compositions suitable for depositing electroless metal seed layers and for enhancing discontinuous seed layers. Also disclosed are methods of depositing electroless seed layers and enhancing discontinuous seed layers.