Autonomous cask translocation crane

The apparatus for transferring a cask from a first position to a second position comprising:

• a base comprising a base frame;
• a first beam having a first proximal end and a first distal end, said first proximal end pivotally connected to said base frame;
• a second beam having a second proximal end and a second distal end, said second proximal end pivotally connected to said base frame;
• a member connecting said first distal end and said second distal end, said member comprising a lifting device adapted to raise and lower said cask;
• wherein said member, said first pivot beam, and said second pivot beam form a unitary structure;
• and
• means to rotate said unitary structure about an axis;
• wherein said base frame comprises first and second carriages and first and second tracks, said first and second carriages adapted to ride on said first and second tracks respectively.

A method of transferring a cask comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising a base comprising a base frame, a first beam having a first proximal end and a first distal end, said first proximal end pivotally connected to a base;
• a second beam having a second proximal end and a second distal end, said second proximal end pivotally connected to said base;
• a member connecting said first distal end and said second distal end, said member comprising a lifting device adapted to raise and lower said cask, said lifting member comprising a means to engage a spent nuclear fuel containment cask;
• wherein said member, said first pivot beam, and said second pivot beam form a unitary structure;
• and means to rotate said unitary structure about an axis, wherein said base frame comprises first and second carriages and first and second tracks, said first and second carriages adapted to ride on said first and second tracks respectively;
• engaging a spent nuclear fuel containment cask located in a first position with the engagement means;
• lifting said spent nuclear fuel containment cask with said lifting device;
• translating said unitary structure and said spent nuclear fuel containment cask along said first and second tracks;
• rotating said unitary structure about said axis so that said cask is above a second position;
• and
• lowering said cask onto said second position.