Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Renato D Reyes

Lanson Y Shum

Raymond P Castner

Arthur F Jacobs

David C Burns

Thaddeus A Wojcik

Duane W Morris

James W Finlayson

Ralph F Eberle

Robert B McKeever

Emery E Nagy

Howard E Houserman, Jr

James L Gumbert

A probe positioner capable of being supported from a tube sheet of a nuclear steam generator for positioning a probe in relationship to the tube sheet of the nuclear steam generator comprises a locking mechanism for locking the probe positioner in the tube sheet and a plurality of rotatable arms for positioning the probe. The probe positioner also comprises quick disconnect motors for rotating the arms of the probe positioner relative to each other.

Probe positioner

Apparatus that is assembled quickly inside a channel head of a steam generator and is capable of performing various repair and inspection operations remotely within the channel head for reducing radiation exposure to personnel and facilitate rapid repair of the tubes of the steam generator.

Apparatus for remotely repairing tubes in a steam generator

A segmented manipulator arm for a nuclear reactor vessel inspection device is disclosed. The several segments of the arm are linked in a manner which permits independent movement of each segment in a different plane of motion. The transducer array which is utilized to conduct the examination of any appropriate point in the reactor vessel is cooperably linked to the final or most forward segment of the manipulator arm. The first segment of the manipulator arm is appropriately coupled to the main column of the inspection device for independent movement in one of three planes relative to the main column. Additional segments are employed and cooperatively linked to the first segment to yield a total of nine planes of movement for one or more of the segments. In addition, brackets are used to constrain segment movement in parallel or predetermined planes as desired.

Segmented articulating manipulator arm for nuclear reactor vessel

A pulley system for use in driving the manipulating arm of a nuclear reactor vessel inspection device is disclosed. Two drive pulleys and pulley take-up spools are disposed in driving engagement with a motor. The pulley cable is looped about a first set of idler pulleys fixed to the manipulator arm which is to be driven along the main or central column of the inspection device. Two additional idler pulleys, a second set, are used to define another portion of the pulley cable loop, which portion serves to equalize unbalanced forces in the cable. When the drive motor is actuated, only that portion of the pulley cable between the drive set and the first set of idler pulleys moves. Depending on the direction of movement, the manipulator arm is raised or lowered with equal force on each side thereof minimizing wear and potential hazards. In addition, to guard against the possible dangers resulting from a snapped pulley cable, a restraining clip is secured to the cable between the second set of idler pulleys and is appropriately sized to jam between one of the idler pulleys and its support bracket.

Pulley system including emergency locking means for nuclear reactor

An emergency braking system for halting vertical movement of the manipulator arm of a nuclear reactor vessel inspection device in the event of an overspeed condition is disclosed. A pneumatically operated cylinder is disposed adjacent each of the drive grooves formed in the main column of the inspection device on which the manipulator arm is vertically driven. The piston of each cylinder is connected to a brake shoe which is held out of contact with the drive grooves by spring loaded roller bearings. When an overspeed condition is sensed, the pneumatic cylinders are triggered and their pistons are moved at a speed significantly in excess of the vertical overspeed velocity of the manipulator arm. When this occurs, each brake shoe contacts a brake lining which guides the shoe against the drive grooves of the main column, moving the spring loaded bearings away from the groove and restraining further vertical manipulator arm movement. The speed of the pistons is set high enough to overtake and brake the manipulator arm even where the overspeed condition occurs as it moves upwardly.

Growing community of inventors

Monroeville, PA, United States of America

Renato D Reyes