GB2037251A - Universal cask grab - Google Patents

Abstract

A cask grab for drum-type casks and concrete casks containing radioactive waste consists of a yoke (1) which is provided with a crane fastening (15) and which is rotatably connected to a cross-shaped support (6), on one of whose supporting arms (16) are arranged two displaceable slides (7) each provided with a cask gripper (5). The other supporting arm is provided at its ends with two bores into each of which may be introduced a bolt (4) provided on the arms of a U-shaped yoke (18) which is fixed to one of the two slides (7). The cask grippers may be used without modification for transporting drum- type casks and, with the bolts and bores, concrete casks. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A universal cask grab This invention relates to a universal cask grab, more particularly for loading and transporting drum-type casks and concrete casks containing radioactive waste.

Radioactive waste is normally introduced into drum-type casks or into concrete casks having a lost concrete shield and, after intermediate storage, is permanently stored. The loading and off-loading of casks of the type in question at their storage sites requires corresponding cask graps which enable the casks to be safety handled.

There are numerous such cask grabs which are only designed either for drum-type casks or for concrete casks. Drum-type casks are gripped by their profile rings, whilst concrete casks comprise concreted-in handles for this purpose. These known cask grabs, of which the grippers often have to be manually operated, are attended by a number of disadvantages. Above all, they are generally designed for only one type of cask and, in many cases, for only one cask format.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a universal cask grab, more particularly for drum-type casks and concrete casks containing radioactive waste, which may be used without modification for any type and shape of cask and which may be remotely operated and used, even in confined storage conditions.

The grab according to the invention comprises a yoke which is provided with a crane fastening and which is rotatably connected to a cross support on one of whose supporting arms are arranged two displaceable slides each provided with a cask gripper and of which the other supporting arm is provided at its ends with two bores into each of which can be introduced a bolt which is provided on the arms of a U-shaped yoke attached to one of the two slides.

Figures land 2 of the accompanying drawings diagrammatically illustrate one example of an embodiment of a universal grab according to the invention from the front and from the side.

The universal cask grab consists of a yoke (1) comprising a crane fastening (15), for example a carrying eye. This yoke (1) is connected to a geared motor (2) and to a power-current and control-line coupling (11).

A cross support (6) is rotatably connected to this yoke (1) through an externally toothed ball bearing ring (14). Arranged on one arm (16) of this support are two displaceable slides (7) to each of which is fixed a cask gripper (5) for gripping drum-type casks.

The cask grippers (5) are each advantageously provided with two displaceable side plates (8) which are adapted to the particular cask radius and of which the lugs (9) prevent the cask grippers (5) from slipping off the profile rings of the drum-type cask.

The slides (7) are preferably driven through screwthreaded spindles (3) which are driven by a geared motor (13) via a mitre gear.

At both ends of the other arm (17) of the cross support (6), there are two bores (10) into each of which may be introduced a bolt (4) for gripping concrete casks provided with handles. The bolts (4) are situated on the arms of a U-shaped yoke (18) fixed to one of the two slides (7). In addition, the slides (7) are provided with cams which operate associated limit switches (12).

The universal cask grab according to the invention is attached to the load hook of a crane by means of the crane fastening (15). After connection of the power current and control line, the grab is ready for use. It is possible to grip and transport both concrete casks provided with handles and also drum-type casks differing in diameter and size, the control panel being situated in the crane cabin.

1. A universal cask grab comprising a yoke which is provided with a crane fastening and which is rotatably connected to a cross support, on one of whose supporting arms are arranged two displaceable slides each provided with a cask gripper and whose other supporting arm is provided at its ends with two bores into each of which may be introduced a bolt which is provided on the arms of a U-shaped yoke attached to one of the two slides.

2. A universal cask grab as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of the cask grippers comprises two displaceable side plates provided with lugs.

3. A universal cask grab as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the slides are driven by a geared motor through screw-threaded spindles.

4. A universal cask grab substantially as described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A universal cask grab This invention relates to a universal cask grab, more particularly for loading and transporting drum-type casks and concrete casks containing radioactive waste. Radioactive waste is normally introduced into drum-type casks or into concrete casks having a lost concrete shield and, after intermediate storage, is permanently stored. The loading and off-loading of casks of the type in question at their storage sites requires corresponding cask graps which enable the casks to be safety handled. There are numerous such cask grabs which are only designed either for drum-type casks or for concrete casks. Drum-type casks are gripped by their profile rings, whilst concrete casks comprise concreted-in handles for this purpose. These known cask grabs, of which the grippers often have to be manually operated, are attended by a number of disadvantages. Above all, they are generally designed for only one type of cask and, in many cases, for only one cask format. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a universal cask grab, more particularly for drum-type casks and concrete casks containing radioactive waste, which may be used without modification for any type and shape of cask and which may be remotely operated and used, even in confined storage conditions. The grab according to the invention comprises a yoke which is provided with a crane fastening and which is rotatably connected to a cross support on one of whose supporting arms are arranged two displaceable slides each provided with a cask gripper and of which the other supporting arm is provided at its ends with two bores into each of which can be introduced a bolt which is provided on the arms of a U-shaped yoke attached to one of the two slides. Figures land 2 of the accompanying drawings diagrammatically illustrate one example of an embodiment of a universal grab according to the invention from the front and from the side. The universal cask grab consists of a yoke (1) comprising a crane fastening (15), for example a carrying eye. This yoke (1) is connected to a geared motor (2) and to a power-current and control-line coupling (11). A cross support (6) is rotatably connected to this yoke (1) through an externally toothed ball bearing ring (14). Arranged on one arm (16) of this support are two displaceable slides (7) to each of which is fixed a cask gripper (5) for gripping drum-type casks. The cask grippers (5) are each advantageously provided with two displaceable side plates (8) which are adapted to the particular cask radius and of which the lugs (9) prevent the cask grippers (5) from slipping off the profile rings of the drum-type cask. The slides (7) are preferably driven through screwthreaded spindles (3) which are driven by a geared motor (13) via a mitre gear. At both ends of the other arm (17) of the cross support (6), there are two bores (10) into each of which may be introduced a bolt (4) for gripping concrete casks provided with handles. The bolts (4) are situated on the arms of a U-shaped yoke (18) fixed to one of the two slides (7). In addition, the slides (7) are provided with cams which operate associated limit switches (12). The universal cask grab according to the invention is attached to the load hook of a crane by means of the crane fastening (15). After connection of the power current and control line, the grab is ready for use. It is possible to grip and transport both concrete casks provided with handles and also drum-type casks differing in diameter and size, the control panel being situated in the crane cabin. CLAIMS

1. A universal cask grab comprising a yoke which is provided with a crane fastening and which is rotatably connected to a cross support, on one of whose supporting arms are arranged two displaceable slides each provided with a cask gripper and whose other supporting arm is provided at its ends with two bores into each of which may be introduced a bolt which is provided on the arms of a U-shaped yoke attached to one of the two slides.

2. A universal cask grab as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of the cask grippers comprises two displaceable side plates provided with lugs.

3. A universal cask grab as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the slides are driven by a geared motor through screw-threaded spindles.

4. A universal cask grab substantially as described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.