Rift Manipulator
The Rift Manipulator was designed by Toshiko Sato of the Torchwood Institute in the hope of controlling the Rift. The Rift was a central component of Torchwood, Torchwood 3 itself based around material or lifeforms which have passed through the Rift (TW: Everything Changes, Captain Jack Harkness). Torchwood 3 was formed in Cardiff as soon as the Institute became aware of the Rift's presence Torchwood Three has also been described as merely a "monitoring station" for the rift. (torchwood.org.uk)
Uses
The only known use of the Manipultor was upon the disappearance of Jack and Tosh who had fallen through the rift into 1941. Owen, sick and tired of "living in it's shadow" decided to use the Rift Manipulator only to find pieces missing, one in the possession of Bilis Manger and the other in the safe in Jack's office. Upon acquiring these parts Owen and Ianto fought which resulted in the Manipulator being activated and Owen being shot in the shoulder.
With the rift opened Jack and Tosh walked through the rift back 2008. After these events the team vowed never to tamper with the Rift and use the Machine again. (TW: Captain Jack Harkness)
