Reactor component automatic grapple

A grapple for releasably seizing a reactor component, said grapple comprising:

• (a) means for seizing said component;
• (b) an impelled actuating stem for actuation of said seizing means having a circumferential stem groove;
• (c) means for releasably locking said actuating stem by mechanical intercourse with said stem groove, said stem locking means having a plurality of detent-ball sets, each of said detent-ball sets having three balls adapted to cause one of said balls to roll into said stem groove thereby locking said actuating stem;
• (d) a mechanical trigger adapted to sense proper alignment with and seating on said component by said grapple and thereupon unlocking said locking means by withdrawal of said locking means from said stem groove, thereby initiating impelled action of said actuating stem thereby automatically triggering the seizing action of said seizing means, and further adapted to serve in cooperation with said locking means as a mechanical logic which disallows grapple seizure in the absence of proper grapple alignment with and seating on said component;
• (e) a grapple subassembly surrounding a lower portion of said actuating stem and surrounding and adapted to support said seizing means, said stem locking means, and said trigger, having at one end means for alignment and having at another end means for grapple subassembly attachment;
• and
• (f) a rising stem subassembly surrounding an upper portion of said actuating stem having at one end means for rising stem subassembly attachment adapted to mate with and releasably attach to said grapple subassembly attachment means.