US 12,488,904 B2
Techniques for removing a vacuum vessel from a tokamak and related systems and methods
Matthew Vernacchia, Cambridge, MA (US); and Theodore Wyeth, Brookline, MA (US)
Assigned to Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC, Devens, MA (US)
Filed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC, Devens, MA (US)
Filed on May 16, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/318,435.
Prior Publication US 2024/0387064 A1, Nov. 21, 2024
Int. Cl. B66F 9/14 (2006.01); G21B 1/05 (2006.01); G21B 1/25 (2006.01); G21B 1/17 (2006.01)
CPC G21B 1/25 (2013.01) [G21B 1/057 (2013.01); G21B 1/17 (2013.01)] 25 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of removing a portion of a vacuum vessel from a portion of a tokamak, the method comprising:
operating a device to move alongside the portion of the tokamak, the device comprising:
a semi-annular plate comprising a rack;
a plurality of jacks arranged over the semi-annular plate; and
at least one mechanism configured to rotate the semi-annular plate in a circle;
operating the at least one mechanism to rotate the semi-annular plate beneath the portion of the vacuum vessel within the portion of the tokamak;
raising the plurality of jacks of the device to support the weight of the portion of the vacuum vessel; and
operating the at least one mechanism to rotate the semi-annular plate out of the portion of the tokamak, thereby removing the portion of the vacuum vessel from the portion of the tokamak.