Page 4 - Destaco - Telemanipulators

telemanipulators

Remote Handling | Introduction

Industry Pioneer
Central Research Laboratories (CRL) researches, designs and manufactures machines and systems which allow
human operators to safely perform dexterous maneuvers in hazardous or sterile environments through remote
operation. In 1945, at the dawn of the Atomic Age, three scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
founded CRL and pioneered early development of safer methods for handling hazardous and toxic products
produced by this industry.
Early mechanisms for handling materials in containment were awkward (usually overhead-mounted devices).
Argonne National Laboratory commissioned CRL to develop a telemanipulator that could be mounted through
the vertical face of the containment wall. Subsequent side wall development and customer requirements have
led to 20 different models of telemanipulator with a wide range of capacities and configurations. As a result
of years of experience, CRL has also developed a full line of related manipulator tools and accessories described
in this catalog.

Basis of Operation
CRL Telemanipulators extend the dexterous manipulative capabilities of a human operator into a hazardous
environment. As in all telemanipulators, natural motions of the hands at the master end are reproduced
identically at the slave end in a 1 to 1 ratio. These operations are accomplished with a minimum of effort
and a maximum of precision due to careful counter-balancing and reduction of mass, friction and lost motion.
Additionally, very little force is required to initiate and maintain uniform motion in any horizontal or vertical
direction. The above factors, combined with the bilateral drive and reflecting characteristics of the design provide
a remarkable “sense of feel” and practically no training period is required to become a competent operator.

Dimensions and technical information are subject to change without notice RH-TEL-5