Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-1987
Title: Innovations by Jean-Claude Germond: Pioneering Robotics for Nuclear Safety
Introduction: Jean-Claude Germond is a notable inventor based in Paris, France, recognized for his contributions to robotics, particularly in the context of nuclear safety. With four patents to his name, Germond's inventions address critical needs in inspection and maintenance operations in hazardous environments, integrating advanced robotic technologies.
Latest Patents: Germond's latest patents demonstrate his ingenuity and focus on safety in nuclear facilities. One of his innovative creations is the "Tool Holder Robot for Intervening in an Enclosure Having an Access." This robotic tool holder is designed to facilitate various interventions within closed enclosures that have access openings. It features a cylindrical ferrule fixed to the enclosure opening, a rotary cylindrical shaft, and a guide rail that allows the movement of the first sliding arm. The second arm, pivotably mounted to the first, can rotate and carries a tool holder carriage, making it ideal for the inspection and maintenance of water boxes in nuclear power station steam generators without the need for human intervention.
Another significant patent is the "Balanced Articulated Manipulator," a master-slave manipulator system that penetrates the enclosure wall through a specially fitted opening. This system consists of a slave arm and master arm that are pivotally mounted on a central cylindrical body. The articulated segments of both arms are designed in an inverted homothetic relationship, allowing for precise movements that ensure a synchronous and opposite angle of operation, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions in dangerous environments.
Career Highlights: Jean-Claude Germond is currently associated with the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique (CEA), where he has been instrumental in developing advanced robotic systems for nuclear energy applications. His focus on safety and reliability in hazardous conditions underscores his commitment to innovation in the field of robotics.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Germond has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Paul Marchal and Jean Vertut. Their combined expertise has contributed to the successful development of various projects that enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear facilities.
Conclusion: Jean-Claude Germond's innovative work in robotics, particularly through his recent patents, has established him as a key figure in advancing technology for nuclear safety. His dedication to creating solutions that minimize human risk in hazardous environments has significant implications for the future of inspections and maintenance in the nuclear sector. As he continues to collaborate with other talented professionals, Germond's impact on the industry is poised to expand further.