Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a robotic system capable of carrying out operations in a hazardous or confined space. The system comprises a manipulator arm, a plinth, a trolley, an end effector, and a control system. The plinth and trolley each comprise one or more locking pawls for securing the system to mounting points. The system is capable of maneuvering between mounting points in an inch-worm-like fashion. Motion starts from a fixed position where both the trolley and plinth locking pawls are secured to a first mounting point. The trolley locking pawls are then released and the trolley runs along the manipulator and secures locking pawls to a second mounting point. The plinth locking pawls are then released and the plinth is drawn to the second mounting point where it is secured via locking pawls. When both the plinth and trolley are secured, operations can be carried out.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a robotic system capable of carrying out operations in a hazardous or confined space. The system comprises a manipulator arm, a plinth, a trolley, an end effector, and a control system. The plinth and trolley each comprise one or more locking pawls for securing the system to mounting levels along a length of the manipulator arm. The system is capable of maneuvering between mounting points in an inch-worm-like fashion. Motion starts from a fixed position where both the trolley and plinth locking pawls are secured to a first mounting level along the length of the manipulator arm. The trolley locking pawls are then released and the trolley runs along the manipulator and secures locking pawls to a second mounting level along the length of the manipulator arm. The plinth locking pawls are then released and the plinth is drawn to the second mounting level along the length of the manipulator arm where it is secured via locking pawls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a robotic system capable of carrying out operations in a hazardous or confined space. The system comprises a manipulator arm, a plinth, a trolley, an end effector, and a control system. The plinth and trolley each comprise one or more locking pawls for securing the system to mounting points. The system is capable of maneuvering between mounting points in an inch-worm-like fashion. Motion starts from a fixed position where both the trolley and plinth locking pawls are secured to a first mounting point. The trolley locking pawls are then released and the trolley runs along the manipulator and secures locking pawls to a second mounting point. The plinth locking pawls are then released and the plinth is drawn to the second mounting point where it is secured via locking pawls. When both the plinth and trolley are secured, operations can be carried out.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: Toner particles are prepared by a process comprising providing an extrusion apparatus; adding resin particles and additive particles to a supply means in the extrusion apparatus; adding the resin particles and the additive particles to a blending chamber in the extrusion apparatus, which blending chamber is maintained at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 120° C.; blending the resin particles and the additive particles to form a mixture; extruding the resin particles to form extruded material; injecting liquid substances, which have a lower boiling point than the melt temperature of the resin particles, into the blending chamber during extrusion without the application of a vacuum to remove the liquid substances prior to extrusion; and grinding the extruded material to form toner particles.

Abstract: An eductor liner article comprising: a flexible and substantially cylindrically shaped sleeve member with upstream and downstream ends; and a flange collar member adjacent and perpendicularly attached at an internal edge or surface to the up stream end of the sleeve member, wherein the flange collar member anchors the liner in an eductor joint, and wherein the liner eliminates or substantially reduces the deposition and accumulation of particulate material contained in a process stream educing through an eductor member in the vicinity of the eductor joint.