Robotic clamp and index tool and method for their use in repairing certain elements with in a nuclear reactor

This patent describes a clamp-and-index tool for use in the replacement of old split-pin assemblies of a guide tube of a nuclear reactor by new split-pin assemblies, the old split-pin assemblies and the guide tube being radioactive and the clamp-and-index tool to operate under a pool of water. The tool includes means, to be connected to the guide tube, for suspending the guide tube in a first position in which the tube is to be processed to effect the replacement. The tool also includes a means, connected to the suspending means, for rotating the guide tube to a second position in which the tube is to be processed to effect the replacement and clamping means, connected to the suspending means and to be connected to the guide tube, for selectively clamping the guide tube in the first or second position