Machine for removing in-core instrument assemblies from a nuclear reactor

A machine for smoothly and controllably winding or unwinding a stiff in-core-instrument tube onto and off of a reel during ythe refueling of a nuclear reactor. The machine includes a frame and a circular reel having a substantially continuous helical groove extending around the circumference of the reel. The groove is adapted to receive the tube. A plurality of cam rollers are carried by the frame and closely spaced around the circumference of the reel. The rollers keep the tube in the groove whereby the tube may be more easily wound onto or off of the reel. In the preferred embodiment, the reel carries a disposable cartridge in which the grooves are formed