Patent US3764736A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3764736A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote visual examination apparatus
Assignee: Combustion Engineering Inc
•
Filing: 1971-03-03
•
Granted: 1973-10-09
•
Expires: 1991-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A remote visual examination apparatus for viewing reactor internals having a TV camera with a self-contained lighting system and remote focus is extended from a mast which is remotely positionable through particularly placed openings in the reactor core support barrel flange. A pivotal mast vernier elevation and rotation unit rides on the core support barrel flange and serves to control the ultimate elevational and rotational positioning of the mast to orient the TV camera with respect to the particular internal to be viewed. The camera is fixed to the end of the mast by means of a pneumatically actuated tilt assembly which may be remotely controlled to tilt the camera so as to extend the range of view thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 R Kosky
- 👤 P Averill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:21
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C19/00; G21C17/00; G21C17/08; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A remote visual examination apparatus for viewing nuclear reactor internals comprising: a longitudinally extending mast manipulatable from one end; a remotely operable optical viewing system; means adjustably mounting said optical viewing system on said mast at the end opposite the manipulated end; and a remotely operable pivotable mast vernier elevation and rotation unit positionable within the reactor, said pivotable mast vernier unit engagable with said mast for independently adjusting the axial position of said mast along and the rotational positioning of said mast about its longitudinal axis, and said vernier unit further including means permitting pivotable movement of said mast relative to said pivotable mast vernier unit so that said end of said mast opposite said manipulatable end moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of said longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A remote visual examination apparatus for viewing nuclear reactor internals comprising: a longitudinally extending mast manipulatable from one end; a remotely operable optical viewing system; means adjustably mounting said optical viewing system on said mast at the end opposite the manipulated end; and a remotely operable pivotable mast vernier elevation and rotation unit positionable within the reactor, said pivotable mast vernier unit engagable with said mast for independently adjusting the axial position of said mast along and the rotational positioning of said mast about its longitudinal axis, and said vernier unit further including means permitting pivotable movement of said mast relative to said pivotable mast vernier unit so that said end of said mast opposite said manipulatable end moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of said longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said longitudinally extending mast is of an H configuration having broad sides interconnected by a web so as to provide structural rigidity in a first lateral direction and structural flexibility in a second lateral direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said remotely operable optical viewing system includes a TV camera having a self-contained light system and remote focus, the nose of said TV camera being of a bullet shape to facilitate the insertion thereof within the reactor cavity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said TV camera is provided with a side opening to provide right angle viewing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for adjustably mounting said optical viewing system includes an extension means fixed to the end of said mast, pneumatic cylinder means positioned within said extension means, a pivoted linkage system connected at one end to said pneumatic cylinder means and at said opposite end to said optical viewing system whereby actuation of said pneumatic cylinder means will control the viewing angle of said optical viewing system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
112 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said extension means includes spaced elongated side plates, one plate fixed to each broad side of said mast, said side plates having slots along a portion of the length thereof; and wherein said pivoted linkage system includes a tilt directional control arm having pins extending laterally therefrom, said pins riding in said side plate slots, actuating arm means fixed to said directional control arm for movement therewith, and pivoting arm means fixed at one end to said optical viewing system and pivotably connected at the opposite end to said actuating arm means, said pivoting arm means pivotably connected at an intermediate point to said side plates.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
100 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said remotely operable pIvotable mast vernier elevation and rotation unit includes a base, ball casters fixed to the underside of said base to permit lateral adjustment of said unit, the rotational base supported by said first mentioned base, means for selectively rotating said rotational base, and means for selectively adjusting the axial positioning of said longitudinally extending mast, and wherein said means permitting pivotable movement of said mast relative to said pivotable mast vernier unit comprises pivot support bearings fixed to said rotational base and a tilting base supported on said pivot support bearings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for rotating said rotating base includes a remotely operable actuating gear, a gear assembly actuated by said actuating gear, a drive sprocket rotated by said gear assembly, a chain sprocket fixed to said rotating base, and a chain interconnecting said drive sprocket and said chain sprocket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for selectively adjusting the axial positioning of said longitudinally extending mast is mounted on said tilting base and includes a remotely operable actuating gear, a gear assembly actuated by said actuating gear and having a spur gear as the final element thereof, and a rack fixed to said longitudinally extending mast, said rack being engaged by said spur gear.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said remotely operable pivotable mast vernier elevation and rotation unit also includes means mounted on said tilting base for laterally supporting said longitudinally extending mast.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |