Apparatus for storage, retrieval and deployment of drag gages used in fuel assembly inspection
US4699750A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1986 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S294/906
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a system for inspecting fuel assembly guide thimbles, an apparatus for handling drag gages insertable within the guide thimbles includes a spider rotatably mounted to an upright support structure and supporting drag gages in a series of angularly-displaced storage positions about the support structure, and a drive operable to rotate the spider relative to the support structure and thereby moving the gages about an endless path to dispose a selected one thereof at a retrieval-and-return station. An elongated track mounted to the support structure extends outwardly above the spider, and a trolley is movable along the track between a remote position overlying a work station containing the fuel assembly to be inspected and a position adjacent to the support structure and overlying the drag gage retrieval-and-return station. A gripper mechanism, supported by a hoist which in turn is supported by the trolley, is operable for respectively gripping and releasing the selected one gage at the retrieval-and-return station. The hoist is operable to raise and lower the gripper mechanism and selected gage therewith away from and toward the retrievel-and-return station when the trolley is posi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.