Kurion, Inc.

Special Applications Technology, Inc.

Robert R Heim

Paul Damon Linnebur

Jascha Frei

Matthew Denver Cole

William E Kirby

Scott Ryan Adams

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.

System and method for inspection and maintenance of hazardous spaces with track and roller

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. When both the plinth and trolley are secured, operations can be carried out.

System and method for inspection and maintenance of hazardous spaces

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.

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Brighton, CO, United States of America

Robert R Heim