Patent Number: 053135059
Section: abstract

ROD HANDLING APPARATUS comprises a continuously operated modified walking beam conveyor apparatus activated mechanically, electrically and electronically, utilizing computer and servomechanism technology to control the movement of a series of nuclear fuel rods with provision for their varying length and diameter so that their ends may be heat treated simultaneously. Rods are loaded into a conveyor and rest on conveyor V-blocks attached to conveyor chains which are then moved forward, powered and controlled by a conveyor servomotor, to align the rods with a heat treater units. Then the conveyor stops and a separate set of lifting V-blocks controlled by an eccentric arm powered by a lift plate servomotor, raises the rods to align them with receptacles in the heat treater units. The heat treater units move transversely so that the ends of the rods are inserted a set distance into the receptacles and the heat treating cycle is started. After completion of this cycle, the heat treater units are retracted and the lift plate V-blocks lower the rods into the conveyor. The conveyor again moves forward, unloading the treated rods and the cycle is repeated. This apparatus may be used for processing the ends of nuclear rods and other type of rods, tubes, bars, pipes, etc., for other operations including welding, coding, polishing, deburring, attaching fittings, etc., and, with the addition of processing units on the opposite side of the conveyor, both ends of the rods can be operated on simultaneously.