Abstract: Presented herein is a tray for shipping, handling, and/or processing optomechanical components. The tray has a plurality of pockets arranged in an array, wherein each pocket is configured to hold one optomechanical component, and wherein each pocket includes at least one fiducial hole, at least one vacuum hole, a first cradle element configured to support a clip that attaches to one or more optical fibers of the optomechanical component, and a second cradle element configured to support a head of the optomechanical component. Also presented herein is a clip for an optomechanical component that includes a body having a top face and a bottom face, and a plurality of gripping elements arranged in pairs on the bottom face, each pair of gripping elements configured to support a barrel of an optical connector attached to a corresponding optical fiber of the pair of optical fibers.

Abstract: A closure head for closing a container with a container closure, for example for closing a container with a screw closure in a beverage filling system is described. The closure head includes a gripping mechanism for gripping the container closure with at least one gripping arm that can be pivoted about a bearing, and a holding jaw disposed on the gripping arm for holding the container closure. The holding jaw is locked on the gripping arm by means of a pre-tensioned pressure pin.

Abstract: A flue mounted hoist includes an anchor section for anchoring within a flue hole, and an extendable arm. A winch is provided at the end of the extendable arm for attachment to a boiler. The flue mounted hoist allows safe lifting and installation of a wall-mounted boiler by a single person.

Abstract: An inspection system makes image inspection on an inspection target. The inspection system includes: an image capture device that captures an image of the inspection target; a blower with a blow nozzle from which clean gas is blown out to the inspection target; a robot with an arm tip to which the image capture device and the blow nozzle, or the inspection target is attached; and as inspection device that makes image inspection on the inspection target based on an image captured by the image capture device. The inspection device generates an operation program for a robot based on the position of the image capture device and that of the blow nozzle relative to each other so as to move the blow nozzle ahead of the image capture device relative to the inspection target.

Abstract: A movable manipulator assembly for manipulating an article in a controlled environment chamber, including a support for attaching the manipulator assembly in a gas tight manner to an entry port of a controlled environment chamber and externally with respect to the chamber, a ball joint including a central passage, sealingly seated in the support, for permitting three axis movement of the manipulator assembly while maintaining a gas seal, a manipulator arm extending from the ball joint externally with respect to the chamber, the arm including a central passage aligned with the central passage of the ball joint, the arm further including a closable entry port through which the central passage of the manipulator arm can be accessed, and a gimbaled bearing assembly connected to the manipulator arm for three axis movement of the arm.

Abstract: A control device that controls grip of an object is disclosed. The control device includes: detecting means for detecting a slip of the object and outputting a slip detection value; change-value calculating means for calculating, on the basis of the slip detection value, a change value for changing a command value, which sets gripping force for the object, to magnitude for resting the object; suppression-value calculating means for calculating, on the basis of the slip detection value, a suppression value for suppressing the command value to necessary minimum magnitude for resting the object; and setting means for setting the magnitude of the command value on the basis of the change value and the suppression value.

Abstract: A joint tong apparatus for a radiation shielding facility. A spherical ball has a through-hole. An inner spherical socket and an outer spherical socket are installed in a hole formed in a partition between a radiation-shielded room and a control room so as to enclose the spherical ball on inner and outer sides. A bar is inserted and coupled into and to the through-hole of the spherical ball. An inner joint assembly has a first housing coupled to a shielded room-side end of the bar and a first pivot member pivotably mounted on a free end of the first housing. An outer joint assembly having a second housing coupled to a control room-side end of the bar and a second pivot member pivotably mounted on a free end of the second housing. The apparatus further includes a tong assembly, a handle assembly, a tong manipulation cable, and a pair of pivot manipulation cables.

Abstract: A wrist unit to be arranged in an industrial robot including a control system and a manipulator. The manipulator includes a robot arm and a wrist unit arranged on the robot arm and including a wrist housing arranged for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, a wrist part/tilt pivotally journalled in the wrist housing for rotation about a fifth axis of rotation. A second transmission is configured to transmit rotation form a second drive unit to the turn disc about the sixth axis of rotation where the control system controls the first and second drive units.

Abstract: A measuring device incorporating a substrate with sensors that measure the processing conditions that a wafer may undergo during manufacturing. The substrate can be inserted into a processing chamber by a robot head and the measuring device can transmit the conditions in real time or store the conditions for subsequent analysis. Sensitive electronic components of the device can be distanced or isolated from the most deleterious processing conditions in order increase the accuracy, operating range, and reliability of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an incremental link robot mast for vacuuming nuclear waste from a storage silo. The mast is made of incrementally linked segments that are clamshell in construction to enclose and shield the working cables of the vacuuming robot. Each segment is linked together as needed by a transverse hinge pin and two hydraulic connecting pins. The clamshell is hinged and latched together by an array of screws. The robot comprises a linked clamshell mast and a master-slave robot arm on the end of the mast which includes tools for viewing and breaking up the waste and vacuuming same to a removal area.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an incremental link robot mast for vacuuming nuclear waste from a storage silo. The mast is made of incrementally linked segments that are clamshell in construction to enclose and shield the working cables of the vacuuming robot. Each segment is linked together as needed by a transverse hinge pin and two hydraulic connecting pins. The clamshell is hinged and latched together by an array of screws. The robot comprises a linked clamshell mast and a master-slave robot arm on the end of the mast which includes tools for viewing and breaking up the waste and vacuuming same to a removal area.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting welds in a nuclear reactor jet pump includes a probe subassembly rotatably and linearly movably coupled to a frame structure configured to attach to a top flange of the reactor pressure vessel. The probe subassembly includes a plurality of probe arms pivotably coupled to a housing, with each probe arm including a sensor. The probe arms are pivotably movable between a first position where the probe arms are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe subassembly, and a second position where the probe arms are at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the probe subassembly. An insertion subassembly couples to the jet pump suction inlet. The insertion subassembly is sized to receive the probe subassembly and guide the probe subassembly into the jet pump through the jet pump suction inlet.

Abstract: A machine for automated fabrication of a fiber optic device includes an interface enclosing an environment substantially adapted for manufacture of the fiber optic device. The interface includes a stationary gripping device securing an end of a first optical fiber. The machine also includes first and second movable stages within the environment, each including a clamp for securing an exposed portion of the first optical fiber. The machine also includes a heat source applying heat to the first optical fiber at a selected intensity, and a plurality of movable gripping devices within the environment configured to successively transport the end of the first optical fiber from the stationary gripping device to a prescribed position. The machine also includes a controller for controlling the movement of the first optical fiber by the movable gripping devices, and for controlling the movement of the first and second stages and the position and intensity of the heat source to form said fiber optic device.

Abstract: A system for performing work in a hot cell includes a support arm having a first end and a second end and a movable arm having an end selectively engageable with the first end to form a rigid connection. Complementary coupling devices are disposed on the first end of the support arm and on the end of the movable arm and mate together when the movable arm is joined to the support arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing repairs and inspections in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a support mast facilitates the positioning of tools within the RPV, especially at locations that are extremely difficult to access using known methods and apparatus. In the one embodiment, a mast extends in the reactor pressure vessel and through an opening in the top guide and through an opening in the core plate. The mast includes an outer tube and an inner tube positioned at least partially within the outer tube. The inner tube is connected to a robotic arm. A slot is formed in the outer tube and the slot extends at least partially along the axial length of the mast. The portion of the inner tube positioned at the location of the slot is in free communication with the reactor components when the mast is positioned within the RPV. The robotic arm can access the reactor components through the slot in the outer tube.

Abstract: A manipulator system includes an elongated mast having a mast axis and a telescoping tube assembly having a tube axis. The telescoping tube assembly includes an outer tube section and at least one inner tube section that only moves telescopically with respect to the outer tube section. The telescoping tube assembly is joined to an end of the elongated mast for only pivotal movement. An actuator joined to the elongated mast and the outer tube section pivots the telescoping tube assembly from a first position, wherein the tube axis is parallel to the mast axis and the telescoping tube assembly is retracted, to a second position, wherein the tube axis is perpendicular to the mast axis and the inner tube section is deployable. An end effector is joined to a remote end of the inner tube section to perform work within the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glove holder unit for a confinement enclosure.The aim of the invention is to produce a unit making it possible to easily change a protective glove for the hand.This aim is achieved with the aid of a glove holder unit having a sleeve (11), for protecting the arm and the forearm, assembled to a working glove (15), protecting the hand, and placed in an enclosure. The glove holder unit comprises means (49) for locking an assembly means (17) of the glove (15) and the protective sleeve (11). The locking means (49) being mobile between a locked position, in which they maintain the assembly means (17) and the glove (15) outside the enclosure (1) and an unlocked position in which they allow the passage of the glove (15) and its assembly means (17) between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A mixer-settler is provided which is modulatable and permits use, manipulation and maintenance within a tight, shielded enclosure using a telemanipulator. The mixer-settler is constituted by several modules (M1, M2, M3), which can be reciprocally dismantled by using tight connecting means (19, 20, 21). The inlets and outlets (17, 18) for the heavy and light phases are located on the front face (40) of each module. Regulating members (9, 10, 11) issue onto the upper surface of each module close to the front face (40). Preferably, shield windows (12) make it possible in each case to see the interphase of a stage comprising a mixing chamber (1) and a settling chamber (2). This is completed by a motorization assembly (3) placed above the module. Application to the treatment of radioactive liquids.

Abstract: A robotic device for remotely inspecting pressurizer heater wells is provided which has the advantages of quickly, precisely, and reliably acquiring data at reasonable cost while also reducing radiation exposure of an operator. The device comprises a prober assembly including a probe which enters a heater well, gathers data regarding the condition of the heater well and transmits a signal carrying that data; a mounting device for mounting the probe assembly at the opening of the heater well so that the probe can enter the heater well; a first motor mounted on the mounting device for providing movement of the probe assembly in an axial direction; and a second motor mounted on the mounting device for providing rotation of the probe assembly. This arrangement enables full inspection of the heater well to be carried out.

Abstract: So as to be able to carry out various operations, especially for cleaning observation and simple interventions, on an installation placed in an active cell, the present invention provides a mobile intervention chamber including a caisson (40) adapted to be docked on an access orifice formed in an upper horizontal partition of the cell. The caisson (40) contains the modular elements (88) of an intervention pole (94), these elements being placed on a tool holder barrel (78). With the aid of auxiliary handling arms and a retractable support (110), a pole (94) of a suitable type and length is long-distance constructed on a mechanism (128) mounted on a rotary plate (120) integrated in the ceiling of the caisson (40). Shielding windows (232, 236) and lighting and display systems facilitate the carrying out of intervention operations.

Abstract: The swipe transfer assembly is a mechanical assembly which is used in conjunction with glove boxes and other sealed containments. It is used to pass small samples into or out of glove boxes without an open breach of the containment, and includes a rotational cylinder inside a fixed cylinder, the inside cylinder being rotatable through an arc of approximately 240.degree. relative to the outer cylinder. An offset of 120.degree. from end to end allows only one port to be opened at a time. The assembly is made of stainless steel or aluminum and clear acrylic plastic to enable visual observation. The assembly allows transfer of swipes and smears from radiological and other specially controlled environments.

Abstract: In semiconductor vacuum processing, it is desirable to minimize the material handling mechanisms that must be located in the evacuated process chamber. To accomplish this, a mechanism has been designed that locates the necessary power elements such as motors (12-16) outside the chamber (32). Power is transmitted to the mechanism via commercially available rotary vacuum feed-through devices (30) mounted in the chamber walls (28) and the separable, zero backlash couplings (44) located within the chamber. These couplings (44) allow easy removal and replacement of the handling mechanism without the need for physical access and tools.

Abstract: A generally anthropomorphic prehensor having at least two mechanical finger apparatus which interface directly with an object being grasped by apparatus of mechanical linking and control mechanisms operatively connected to the operator's fingers. Each mechanical finger has at least two finger links adjacent one another, each finger link independently rotatable about parallel axes in a plane of movement in response to movements of the corresponding phalanges of the operator's fingers. The mechanical prehensor is particularly useful in hostile or hazardous environments.

Abstract: The shelf-operating piston rod of an hydraulic cylinder of a freeze dryer is prevented from possibly contaminiating the freeze dryer chamber either by isolating the piston rod from the chamber by enclosing the piston rod within the chamber with an impervious flexible sleeve capable of extending and retracting with the piston rod. The pressure within the sleeve may be adjusted to approach or match the pressure within the freeze dryer chamber. Prevention of contamination alternatively may be achieved by interposing a sterilizing container between the external hydraulic cylinder and the freeze dryer and surrounding the piston rod, and subjecting the piston rod within the sterilizing container to sterilizing fluid before the piston rod is extended into the freeze dryer chamber.

Abstract: A device (24) for handling semiconduct wafers in a vacuum which includes a wafer-receiving arm (80) located in a vacuum chamber and an operating shaft (76) which extends from the vacuum chamber into an atmospheric chamber. The shaft is driven in an axial direction by means of a motor-driven ball screw drive system (74) and angularly by a rotary motor (106) coupled directly to the shaft. The shaft is sealed to maintain vacuum integrity within the vacuum chamber by means of a FERROFLUIDIC rotary seal (110) and by a static seal in the form of a bellows assembly (111) which moves axially with the shaft.

Abstract: A motion transmitting mechanism, for use as a sample manipulating device or wobble stick, is provided for transmitting manual movements through the wall of a vacuum vessel. The mechanism includes a central mounting flange for securing the mechanism in vacuum sealing arrangement with the vacuum vessel through a suitable orifice formed in the wall thereof. A spherical ball joint is moveably journalled within the mounting flange to enable the mechanism to be moved angularly relative to an axis perpendicular to the vacuum vessel wall throughout a predetermined range of limited angular displacement. A coaxial shaft assembly comprises an outer tube and a central shaft, the assembly being axially slideable through a central opening of the ball joint means to provide axial movements within the vacuum vessel throughout a predetermined range of limited axial displacement.

Abstract: A freeze-drying apparatus includes a freeze-drying chamber; a plurality of horizontally oriented, vertically superposed and vertically displaceable shelf plates for supporting thereon receptacles containing the product to be freeze-dried; a plate shifting rod projecting into the freeze-drying chamber and being operatively connected to the shelf plates; and a drive situated externally of the freeze-drying chamber and being connected to the plate shifting rod for moving the plate shifting rod in directions into and out of the freeze-drying chamber. There is provided a sterilizing device including a sterilizing chamber adjoining the freeze-drying chamber and accommodating that length portion of the plate shifting rod which is to be introduced into the freeze-drying chamber during the plate shifting operation.

Abstract: A manipulator for handling objects within a sealed environment, such as an ultra-high vacuum chamber, is mounted on a port of the chamber so that an active portion of the manipulator terminating in a set of gripping jaws is located within the chamber, while an operating portion of the manipulator is located externally of the chamber. The gripping jaws are mounted at one extremity of a shaft for rotation through at least 360.degree. irrespective of whether they are in an open or closed configuration. The jaws are opened and closed from the exterior of the chamber by means of a sleeve which is axially slidable on the shaft by means of a drive ring located on the operating portion of the manipulator.

Abstract: A booth in which components are cleaned by high pressure water ejected from a nozzle assembly associated with a robot. The robot is adapted to move the nozzle assembly along multiple axes so as to enable the nozzle assembly to reach various areas of the components to be cleaned. The nozzle assembly and part of the robot are located in the booth but substantial portions of the robot are located outside of the booth in order to avoid the need for waterproofing those portions. To enable the robot to operate while located partially within and partially outside of the booth, one wall of the booth is formed by groups of slidable panels which expand and contract to accommodate the robot as the robot is moved. In one embodiment, the panels form the ceiling of the booth and, in a second embodiment, the panels define one upright side wall of the booth.

Abstract: An industrial robot having a dust-proof structure is equipped with at least one dust cover having an opening at one end thereof and a linearly movable unit extending through the opening of the dust cover and movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction thereof. Suction is exerted by a suction unit inside the dust cover so that air is flows from outside the dust cover into the same through the opening. A ring member is disposed at the opening of the dust cover in such a manner as to encompass the outer periphery of the linearly moving unit through a gap. At least one annular groove for reserving air is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the ring member so as to encompass the outer periphery of the linearly moving unit.

Abstract: A robotic arm positionable within a nuclear vessel by access through a small diameter opening and having a mounting tube supported within the vessel and mounting a plurality of arm sections for movement lengthwise of the mounting tube as well as for movement out of a window provided in the wall of the mounting tube. An end effector, such as a grinding head or welding element, at an operating end of the robotic arm, can be located and operated within the nuclear vessel through movement derived from six different axes of motion provided by mounting and drive connections between arm sections of the robotic arm. The movements are achieved by operation of remotely-controllable servo motors, all of which are mounted at a control end of the robotic arm to be outside the nuclear vessel.

Abstract: A dust-free industrial robot of high performance includes an internal air space substantially closed by arms, articulation members, bearings or covers or a combination thereof in a manner to separate the rotating, sliding and contacting portions of structural elements such as the arms, articulation members, bearings and a drive source from the outside air. The air pressure in the internal air space is made lower than that of the outside air to prevent dust produced during the operation of the robot from being scattered to the outside air.

Abstract: The foregoing and other objects of the invention are achieved by a drive system which includes a base and a support assembly for rotatably supporting one end of the first arm from said base and for raising and lowering the arm with respect to the base. A second arm has one end rotatably supported at the other end of the first arm and an effector mount is rotatably supported at the other end of the second arm. Drive structure mounted on said base rotate said support assembly. Drive structure mounted at the lower end of said support assembly raise and lower the arm. Drive structure for rotating said second arm and drive structure for rotating said effector are mounted at the upper end of said support. All of said drive structure are mounted within an enclosed housing.

Abstract: An advanced servo manipulator has modular parts. Modular motor members drive individual input gears to control shoulder roll, shoulder pitch, elbow pitch, wrist yaw, wrist pitch, wrist roll, and tong spacing. The modules include a support member, a shoulder module for controlling shoulder roll, and a sleeve module attached to the shoulder module in fixed relation thereto. The shoulder roll sleeve module has an inner cylindrical member rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical member, and upon which a gear pod assembly is mounted. A plurality of shafts are driven by the gears, which are in turn driven by individual motor modules to transmit rotary power to control elbow pitch as well as to provide four different rotary shafts across the bendable elbow joint to supply rotary motive power to a wrist member and tong member.

Abstract: An electric industrial robot comprises a movable robot assembly (10) forming therein an airtight chamber, and an electric drive unit for driving the robot assembly. The electric drive unit comprises a plurality of motors (36-41). The respective casings (36a-41a) of the motors are disposed within the airtight chamber (30) of the robot assembly. Electric cables (57-62) connected to the motors, respectively, are led through the airtight chamber into a fixed pipe (67) connected to the robot assembly. The interior of the motors and the interior of the airtight chamber are kept at a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure outside the robot assembly.

Abstract: A tool holder robot makes it possible to carry out various interventions within a closed enclosure having an access opening. It comprises a cylindrical ferrule fixed to the opening, a cylindrical shaft mounted in rotary manner in the ferrule, a guide rail fixed to the inner wall of the shaft, in which a first arm is slidingly mounted, a second arm pivotably mounted to the free end of the first arm and a tool holder carriage slidingly mounted on the second arm. The second arm is in two parts and can rotate about its longitudinal axis.Application to the inspection and maintainance, without human intervention, of water boxes of nuclear power station steam generators.

Abstract: A device for moving objects about the inside of a closed container includes a grasping mechanism for grasping and releasing objects and an operating mechanism for operating the grasping mechanism and for moving the grasping mechanism about the inside of the container. The operating mechanism includes a pair of arm bodies each of which slidably move through a wall in the container along a linear pathway. As a result of the linear movement of the arm bodies, close tolerance seals can be used to seal the opening sufficiently to allow sliding movement without significantly disturbing the atomspheric and temperature conditions in the container. At least one of the arm bodies is composed of a pair of arm body portions, each portion having a surface slidable with respect to the other portion. The outer ends of the arm bodies positioned outside of the container are suitably coupled to a driver for moving the arm bodies along a linear pathway.

Abstract: A sealed joint having two adjacent, axially aligned sleeves separated by a rotating seal, one joint being movable with respect to the other. The joints contain a tubular passageway surrounded by a motor and a harmonic drive. A tachometer and a brake help to control the motor and a position encoder measures rotational motion between the sleeves. All components are mounted in sealed relation with respect to the outside of the sleeves. A sealable port communicates with the interior of the tubular passageway for each sleeve so that control cables and fluid conduits may pass into the joint through one port, along the tubular passageway and out of the other port.

Abstract: The invention is directed to remotely-controlled manipulator carrier systems for use in maintaining and servicing process equipment housed in large-area cells affected by radioactivity wherein industrial processes are conducted. The cells are part of a nuclear facility for reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuel materials. The process equipment is arranged along mutually adjacent walls of the cell and so defines a canyon-like passageway extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cell. The system includes a first overhead bridge crane having a trolley movable thereon in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis. The trolley includes a hoist for lowering and raising a hook for engaging and moving a component of the process equipment in a first vertical plane transverse to said axis. A second overhead bridge crane is disposed beneath the first bridge crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selectively positioning a tool carried by a vehicle moving on the perforated plate of a bank of tubes, said device being composed of a vehicle comprising transfer members mounted to slide in a central body and comprising on either side thereof jacks extending at right angles to the planes in which said members move and of which the mobile rods of said jacks comprise at their free end positioning fingers, which vehicle is connected by swivel joint means to an articulated telescopic arm comprising means for fixation to the opening giving access to the enclosure, which arm maintains the vehicle, in the course of its displacements in the enclosure, permanently in contact with said perforated plate. The invention is more particularly applicable to the maintenance of apparatus comprising banks of tubes, in particular steam generators of nuclear power stations.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a probe carried by an elongated flexible carrier includes a cantilevered telescoping extensible boom. A sprocketed tractor feed mounted at the distal end of the boom engages apertures in the carrier for feeding it and deflecting it from the boom in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof. The tractor feed is mounted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the boom. A withdrawal device engages the carrier adjacent to the supported end of the boom for reeling the carrier up into a cartridge. Extension and retraction of the boom is effected by a rack and pinion mechanism. Rotary resolvers measure the movement of the boom, the movement of the carrier with respect to the boom and the rotary movement of the tractor feed for providing signals to an associated microcomputer, accurately to detect and control the position of the probe. The microcomputer additionally provides on-line visualization of sludge profilometry and topography.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning mechanism (10, FIG. 1) includes a movable arm (12) having a plurality of joints (14). A pair of grippers (26 and 28) are movable toward and away from a semiconductor wafer boat (44). The grippers are held in position by a stop member (70, FIG. 4) when they engage the boat (44) and locked in an open position by prongs (86). A solenoid (30) is actuated to allow the grippers to move between their open and closed positions. Flexible bellows (22 and 94) and tubing (24) surround moving parts (e.g., 14, 62, 64, 66, 80) of the mechanism (10) to prevent contamination of the semiconductor wafers (52).

Abstract: Remote manipulating assembly of the type comprising a movable platform carrying a telescopic supporting or carrying assembly at the end of which a remote manipulation arm can be displaced within an enclosure, wherein the platform is located within a wall of the enclosure, at least one opening being provided in the wall to permit the introduction of the telescopic carrying assembly of axis AA into the enclosure, and wherein the platform is provided with a hood within which the telescopic carrying assembly and the remote manipulation arm can be completely contained, the hood also being provided in its opening part with means for the tight connection to the wall of the enclosure cooperating with sealing means provided in the opening, and having at its other end means for controlling the displacements of the telescopic carrying assembly, while also having connection and supply means for the displacements of the remote manipulation arm, together with its operation and the operation of its tools.

Abstract: The slave arm (15) in a sealed containment (12 or 210) is arranged to be replaceable by forward displacement by a new arm (115 or 215). The new arm is preceded by an intermediate sealing body (101 or 201) sealed on the new arm by a flexible bag (103 or 203) which is removable into the sealed containment once the new arm is located in the sealed containment. Preferably the sealed containment (12) is spaced from a shield wall (10) to provide an interspace (13) accessible to a protected operator and the linking part (16) of the manipulator has a demountable coupling (24) in the interspace so that the new arm can be inserted from the interspace.

Abstract: A gas-tight connector, especially for the remote handling of radioactive or hazardous products by means of a master-slave manipulator. The connector is composed of a tong-unit connector element, a gas-tight connector element and a remote-manipulator connector element. The gas-tight element is engaged coaxially within the tong-unit element and the remote-manipulator element is engaged coaxially within the gas-tight element and also coupled to an articulated supporting arm. All three elements are traversed from one end to the other by shafts which are capable of translational motion in order to initiate opening and closing of the tong unit.

Abstract: A sealing device for minimizing the leakage of toxic or radioactive contaminated environments through a biological shield along an opening through which a flexible component moves that penetrates the shield. The sealing device comprises an outer tubular member which extends over a length not less than the maximum longitudinal movement of the component along the opening. An inner sealing block is located intermediate the length of the component and is positioned in the bore of the outer tubular member to slide in the bore and effect a seal over the entire longitudinal movement of the component.

Abstract: The invention provides one or more externally controlled manipulators for a enerally circularly cylindrical vacuum chamber; which manipulators are capable of small precision translations in three orthogonal directions and can grasp and transport a sample around the chamber on a circular path, rotate the sample 180.degree. about a radius of the path and after releasing the sample into a chamber fixture for storing, processing and/or testing is free to address other samples.

Abstract: A robot arm apparatus is provided for inspecting and/or maintaining an interior of a steam generator which has an outside wall and a port for accessing the interior of the steam generator. The robot arm apparatus includes a flexible movable conduit for conveying inspection and/or maintenance apparatus from outside the steam generator to the interior of the steam generator. The flexible conduit has a terminal working end which is translated into and around the interior of the steam generator. Three motors located outside the steam generator are employed for moving the terminal working end inside the steam generator in "x", "y", and "z" directions, respectively. Commonly conducted inspection and maintenance operations include visual inspection for damaged areas, water jet lancing for cleaning sludge deposits, core boring for obtaining sludge deposits, and scrubbing of internal parts.