Master-slave remote handling device - in radioactive hot cell with resistance strain gauges monitoring force applied to handle to actuate alarm if force is excessive

摘要

A master-slave type of remote handling device incorporates a set of electric resistance strain gauges (40x-40z), which monitor the forces applied by the operator to the handle to actuate an alarm if the forces are likely to damage the device. The strain gauges are attached to a tubular section of the 'master' side of the device, between the handle and the first joint, and comprise twelve gauges arranged in groups of four to monitor strain in three orthogonal direction. The gauges of each group form respective wheatstone bridges whose outputs are fed to an electronic circuit, whereby any force above a variable threshold actuates an alarm. USE/ADVANTAGE - The device is used for handling radioactive material in a hot cell. The alarm is given before any damage is caused by excessive forces, enabling the operator to modify his manipulations accordingly.