The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 01, 1997
Filed:
Nov. 16, 1994
Edward J Hyp, Irwin, PA (US);
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for use with a search device and a foreign object extrication device in a steam generator includes a router having two conduits for routing the search and extrication devices, and a positioning mechanism for positioning the conduits. The extrication device may include a cable having a pushing mechanism for pushing a foreign object within the steam generator and a hook mechanism for pulling the foreign object. Alternatively, the extrication device may include a loop mechanism for pulling. The extrication device may include a cable having a slotted end for pushing. Alternatively, the cable may have an anvil for pushing. The router may include a guide tube interconnected with the first conduit for guiding the search device from the tube lane into a selected one of the tube rows of the steam generator and another guide tube interconnected with the second conduit for guiding the extrication device from the tube lane into the selected tube row. Alternatively, the two guide tubes may guide the search and extrication devices into the annulus. The router may also include an attachment for removably attaching the guide tubes to the conduits. Alternatively, the apparatus may be adapted for use with a sludge lancing system in a steam generator having a first half and a second half separated by a tube lane. The apparatus may include a router having four conduits for routing the search device and the extrication device from the tube lane into the two halves. Alternatively, the router may have four conduits for routing the search and extrication devices into two halves of the annulus of the steam generator. Alternatively, the router may have two conduits for positioning by the positioning device, two guide mechanisms for guiding the search and extrication devices, and a connection mechanism for removably connecting the two conduits to the two guide mechanisms. The connection mechanism may include two Y-conduits for two conduits and four guide tubes.