Power operated manipulators (Paper No. 019)

Power manipulators (PM) have been developed for use in radioactive laboratories, reprocessing cells and waste handling projects, where jobs weighing upto 50 kg, are required to be handled and manoeuvred. Physical dimensions and mounting arrangements can be suitably designed to exploit the capabilities of the power manipulator. In general 'PM' consists of a jaw and some degrees of freedom (jaw rotation, jaw extension, elbow rotation, shoulder pivot, shoulder rotation, verticle motion, cross travel and longitudual travel). Number of degrees of freedom can be reduced or increased to suit a particular hot cell. All motions are powered and controlled by separate electric motors through control panel and a pendant control. Special efforts are made to make the assemblies very light, to reduce the load on prime mover and compact, to make it accessible in narrow areas. The power manipulator consists of wrist, elbow and shoulder assemblies. This assembly is fastened to any one mounting system, viz telescopic unit and gantry unit, wall bracket, column mounting, floor mounting, trolley mounting, etc. Two power manipulators PM 102 and PM 201 have been designed and are under manufacture in private industries. (author). 3 figs