Abstract: A fastener, in particular of a chassis component, has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter of a monitoring device for monitoring at least one mechanical fastening parameter. At least one power supply unit is associated with the transmitter, that the transmitter and the power supply unit are connected to one another by means of a switching contact, that an electrical connection can be closed by means of the switching contact, that the switching contact is designed in such a way that the electrical connection is open when the fastener is installed properly and is closed only when the fastener is released, and that the transmitter is supplied with current and transmits a signal only when the electrical connection of the switching contact is closed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for implementing a smart security fastener. The smart security fastener includes a body configured to be installed at a property; and a head that is supported by the body. The head has circuitry that includes: a micro-processor that generates control signals; and a radio device that is coupled to the micro-processor. The radio device is operable to: i) transmit data to a property monitoring system based on the control signals, where the data indicates an installation status of the smart security fastener; and ii) receive a command from the property monitoring system that indicates authorization to uninstall the smart security fastener. The circuitry also includes a power source that powers each of the micro-processor and the radio device.

Abstract: A simulation device for the screw joint simulation of a nutrunner includes a test connecting element rigidly connected to a brake unit. The nutrunner can be coupled to the test connecting element and activated to exert a torque that rotates the test connecting element about an axis of rotation. Activation of the brake unit brakes the test connecting element. A torque transducer includes a rotational angle transducer for measuring a rotational angle by which the test connecting element rotates about the rotation axis. The simulation device includes a zero mark, and the brake unit can be adjusted to a zero angle with respect to the zero mark.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member, a second member configured for coupling with the first member, an authentication module integrated into one of the first or second member, and a locking device operable to lock the second member to the first member, and unlock the second member from the first member upon receiving input from the authentication module. The authentication module is operable to authenticate an unlock request received from an external source.

Abstract: This relates to a method for the quality control of a blind fastener installation in a structure comprising a sleeve and a core bolt, with a deformation of a rear side of the structure, a signal being generated during the installation process. The process includes a) identification of two notable points of the signal, chosen among: pulling start point (S1); buckling (B1) of the sleeve; contact (B2, S2) of the sleeve or of the core bolt; force setpoint (B3) or fracture (S3) of a portion of the core bolt; b) estimation of a first parameter as a function of a notable point, characterizing a bulb in contact with the rear side; c) estimation of a second parameter as a function of a notable point, characterizing a tension applied in the core bolt; and d) for each estimated parameter, comparison with a condition that indicates the proper installation of the fastener.

Abstract: A surface marked threaded fastener comprising an elongated and threaded shaft and a head at one end of the elongated and threaded shaft; said head comprising on a surface contacting face a readable matrix comprising a dot pattern, said dot pattern defining a tightening specification.

Abstract: A dual channel nondestructive testing method for a rock bolt and related devices includes: determining a target phase difference and an instantaneous phase difference of the first received signal and the second received signal; determining an integral instantaneous phase difference between the first received signal and the second received signal based on the target phase difference and an instantaneous phase difference; determining a length of the exposed section of the rock bolt, a length of the rock bolt and a position of a grouting defect based on the integral instantaneous phase difference, a first velocity of the acoustic signal propagating in an exposed section of the rock bolt and a second velocity of the acoustic signal propagating in an anchor section of the rock bolt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pullout force measurement test device based on an anchor group effect of a marine pipeline, and a measurement method. The test device includes a support frame, a winch, a lifting plate, an upper hanging rope, a force measuring mechanism mounted on the upper hanging rope, two anchor plate mechanisms, and two lower hanging ropes, where each pair of the lower hanging ropes and the anchor plate mechanisms are located on both sides of the upper hanging rope; each anchor plate mechanism includes a model box, a soil sample filled in the model box, an anchor plate embedded in the soil sample, and a pulley assembly used for adjusting a pullout angle of the anchor plate; one end of each lower hanging rope is connected to the lifting plate, and the other end thereof is connected to the anchor plate of the corresponding anchor plate mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a method for setting bottom-touching-determination standard capable of setting a bottom-touching-determination standard based on parameters with high reliability. The method for setting bottom-touching-determination standard includes a screwing step of screwing a measurement screw (11) into a measurement screw hole (13a), a parameter acquisition step of acquiring parameters in the screwing step, a bottom-touching-determination step of determining the presence or absence of bottom-touching on the basis of an axial force of the measurement screw, and a determination standard setting step of collating the determination result in the bottom-touching-determination step and the parameters to set the bottom-touching-determination standard.

Abstract: A scaffold comprised of a plurality of PLLA layers, which may include stem cells, for regenerating bone or tissue. The PLLA layers are separated by a plurality of hydrogel layers. The PLLA layers comprise a nanofiber mesh having a piezoelectric constant to apply an electrical charge to the bone or tissue upon application of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes a base, a load sensing member, a push member, a transmission module, and a drive module. The push member has a first extension wall and a second extension wall. The transmission module includes two adjustable transmission sets each including a torque transmission part. The torque transmission part respectively rests on the first extension wall and the second extension wall of the push member. The torque transmission part of the transmission module applies a force to push and press the push member reciprocatingly. The push member transmits the force of the torque transmission part to the load sensing member which cooperates with an electronic device to measure the maximum static friction torque of a detected workpiece.

Abstract: A connecting component with built-in radio frequency identification element which includes a main body and a radio frequency identification element is provided. The main body has a cylindrical body part and a head, wherein the body part has a connecting end and a free end; the head is connected to the connecting end, and the maximum outer diameter thereof is greater than an outer diameter of the body part; the head has an accommodating hole, and an opening of the accommodating hole is formed at a top of the head; the radio frequency identification element can be inserted into the accommodating hole. When the connecting component is used to fixedly connect the rigid object, the radio frequency electronic component provides a space to store database; with the radio frequency identification reader, industry can read the data at any time during the inspection or the maintenance stages, which improves the convenience of obtaining data and the efficiency of operation.

Abstract: A system may include a fastener having a trench formed in a side of a head of the fastener. The system may further include a magneto-elastic component spanning the trench and attached to the head of the fastener on both sides of the trench. The system may also include a coil wrapped around the magneto-elastic component between both sides of the trench. The system may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit, where the coil may be electrically connected to the RFID circuit resulting in a resonance response frequency that is a function of a strain level applied to the magneto-elastic component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an RFID tag for use with a metal fastener where the fastener operates as the antenna of the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a microchip for storing data. The chip is electrically coupled to the metal fastener in order to receive and transmit the RF signal, the metal fastener thereby operating as the antenna for the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method for determining the prestress force of a connection component (10) is proposed. In the method, ultrasonic signals (22) are introduced into the connection component (10) and ultrasonic echoes (24) of the ultrasonic signals (22) are received again.

Abstract: A bolt includes a head portion on which a recess is formed. The recess has a bottom surface and a sidewall extending from a periphery of the bottom surface. The sidewall has a lower end defined by the bottom surface and includes an increased diameter portion and a reduced diameter portion. The increased diameter portion has an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the lower end of the side wall. The reduced diameter portion has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the increased diameter portion. The reduced diameter portion is located opposite to the bottom surface across the increased diameter portion.

Abstract: Described, herein, relates to a system of and method for the safe and rapid mounting of an environmental sensor (e.g., a smoke detector) onto an elevated support surface (e.g., a wall, a post, or a ceiling). Accordingly, the installation harness may include a housing and a wall mount. During use, the wall mount may be configured to be affixed to the elevated support surface. Additionally, the housing may be configured to selectively couple to the wall mount through a connector extension, securing the housing to the wall mount. Subsequent to a user coupling the housing to the mount, the environmental sensor may be in electrical communication with a power source, via at least one male ring connector being electrically coupled to its respective at least one female ring connector.

Abstract: A structural assembly of an aircraft has a fastener extending into first and second structural members. A washer is disposed between the fastener and one of the structural members to electrically insulate the fastener and the structural members. The washer has a core of reinforcement fibers supported in a thermoplastic matrix material. Electrically-insulating outer layers of glass fibers overlay the core.

Abstract: A latch system includes a releasably secured latch or keeper and a solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly has a solenoid driver coupled to a power supply, a switching circuit connected with the solenoid driver, and a function generator to selectively adjust a frequency of a pick current output from the power supply and provided to the solenoid driver. The frequency is adjusted until the pick current induces a resulting vibration of said latch system sufficient to free a preloaded latch or keeper. The adjusted frequency may be a target frequency or a range of frequencies. Also included may be a preload sensor. When a preload is sensed, the frequency may be adjusted by the function generator until the pick current induces a resulting vibration of said latch system sufficient to free a preloaded latch or keeper.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which an identifier is to be printed on a surface of a part to be additive manufactured. The identifier is utilized during post-processing of the part at the manufacturing facility, then the identifier is modified so as to no longer be visible before leaving the facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled and automatic tensioning of bolts pre-installed in a flange joint between a hub and a main shaft in a nacelle of a wind turbine as well as to a bolt tensioning system for such method. The method comprises arranging a fixture inside the nacelle and mounting a bolt tensioning tool to the fixture which is mounted movable in an axial direction and in a working area perpendicularly hereto. First the flange joint is rotated to position a first set of bolts within the working area of the bolt tensioning tool, and then the bolt tensioning tool is controlled alternately to move the tensioning tool into a position for tensioning a bolt and to tension the bolt, until all bolts of the first set of bolts have been tensioned. The rotation of the flange joint may be controlled by operating a rotation tool operably connected to the main shaft, gearbox, and/or generator.

Abstract: A tracking system (20) for durable assets such as personal weapons (22) is provided. The tracking system (20) includes a durable asset tag (84) including an RFID transponder physically mounted within an externally exposed cavity of the durable asset (22), and an identification card (32) with a machine-readable unique identifier associated with a person. The system also includes first (40) and second (48) databases, each storing information associated with the durable asset (22), and an interface terminal (56) for receiving a unique identifier from the durable asset tag (84) and the unique identifier from the identification card (32), and which communicates with the databases (40, 48) for checking in or checking out the durable asset (22) to the person having the identification card (32). The durable asset tag (84) may be original to the durable asset (22) or retrofitted thereto after manufacture.

Abstract: An intelligent bolt includes a head region and a threaded region. The head region includes a bolt cavity. A distance between the head region and a bottom end of the cavity changes in operation as a function of longitudinal stress applied between the threaded region and the head region, and the bolt includes a sensor arrangement for measuring changes in the distance. A distal end of the sensor arrangement is disposed adjacent to the bottom end, wherein changes in spatial position of the bottom end relative to the distal end occur as a function of changes in the stress applied to the bolt to define a gap “G” whose size varies depending upon the stress. Interrogating radiation transmission in operation via the gap “G” from a source to a corresponding radiation sensor of the arrangement generates a stress measurement signal that is processed for wireless communication.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an RFID tag for use with a metal fastener where the fastener operates as the antenna of the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a microchip for storing data. The chip is electrically coupled to the metal fastener in order to receive and transmit the RF signal, the metal fastener thereby operating as the antenna for the RFID tag.

Abstract: A radio frequency screw antenna includes a metal radiation body and a coupling loop circuit. The metal radiation body includes a shank having a radial direction, a head connected to the shank, and a groove positioned at the head. A length direction of the groove is parallel to the radial direction. The coupling loop circuit is disposed at a first side wall of the groove.

Abstract: A method for estimating a clamp force obtained at tightening of a screw joint via a torque pulse sequence includes applying a primary torque pulse to rotate the screw joint in a tightening direction, measuring a torque level obtained by the primary torque pulse, applying a secondary torque pulse to move the screw joint in a loosening direction, measuring a torque level obtained by the secondary torque pulse, and calculating a difference between the torque level obtained by the primary torque pulse and the torque level obtained by the secondary torque pulse. The obtained clamp force is estimated from the difference between the obtained torque levels.

Abstract: A sensor (1) for measuring a tightening force applied on a screw-assembly member (2). The measurement sensor includes a ring and an electronic device comprising a longitudinal support strip having two opposite ends. The support strip is installed on a flat surface of the ring. The electronic device (26) includes a first circuit capable of generating a signal representative of a tightening force applied in a tightening direction on one of the two opposing faces; a second circuit capable of generating a signal representative of the distance of the applied force from the center of the ring in a first direction perpendicular to the tightening direction; and a third circuit capable of generating another signal representative of the distance of the applied force from the center of the ring in a second direction perpendicular to the tightening direction.

Abstract: A bolt load measuring arrangement 31 has a bolt 4 with a reference pin 10 extending from the root 12 of a hole 11 in the bolt. Shoulder 23 of a bore 22 defines a strainable portion datum shoulder located within the strainable portion 7 of the bolt 4. Strain datum sleeve 32 can have a strain datum surface 16 at its outer end. The strain datum sleeve 32 has a hole 33 to allow it to pass around the reference pin 10 which extends to the end of the strain datum sleeve. The reference datum 15 is on the outer end of the reference pin 10 and the strain datum 16 is on the outer end of the strain datum sleeve 32. The outer end of the strain datum sleeve includes an alignment protrusion 34 over which the measuring tool 40 engages. Fit between the alignment protrusion and the tool 40 is essential to achieving the alignment accuracy for accurate datum relative position measurements and therefore accurate load measurement.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a tool includes a tool holder with a collet and a clamping nut in and the tool holder has a mechanism for clamping the tool holder and for detecting and displaying a torque applied to the clamping nut.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to quantify tension forces of the anchor bolts for, e.g., SLTS support structures. A sensing assembly comprising one or more washers is installed along an anchor bolt. The sensing assembly comprises two spaced-apart surfaces between which a capacitance can be measured if electrical potential is created between the surfaces. The capacitance between the surfaces can be calibrated to bolt tension based on the relative distance between the surfaces. An RFRD circuit is connected to the two surfaces. An RF interrogation signal can supply the electrical potential and allow a reading of the responsive capacitance between surfaces to convert the capacitance reading into a bolt tension. Additionally, the introduction of the battery-free RFRD allows data to be acquired wirelessly from a distance, enabling an entirely new method of inspection. With minimum additional hardware cost, it provides a cost-effective way to replace traditional bolt installation and inspection methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for monitoring a flange connection of a wind turbine, and to a corresponding wind turbine. According to the invention, one or more monitoring bodies (90) are mounted on one or more bolt nuts (20) and/or bolt heads of at least one flange connection of a wind turbine, and a circuit of the monitoring bodies (90) is produced with connecting cables (100) such that, upon rotation of a slackening bolt nut (20) or of a bolt head of a slackening bolt and of the monitoring body (90) mounted thereon, at least one connecting cable (100) connected to the concomitantly rotating monitoring body (90) becomes detached, owing to increasing tensile stress on the connecting cable (100), a fault in the flange connection being signaled upon slackening of a bolt nut (20) or bolt.

Abstract: Screw having a head and a threaded cylindrical body, the head being provided with strain gauges arranged so as to be deformed in order to measure a stress within the screw, the gauges being connected or able to be connected to a power supply and to a determination unit for determining the value of at least one inner stress from the deformations of the gauges. The head has, on the upper face thereof, a conical hole having a revolution axis that is aligned with the revolution axis of the cylindrical body. The gauges are arranged on the wall of the conical hole so as to be deformed together with the conical hole and are oriented to measure at least one type of inner stress selected among the tension and the shearing.

Abstract: An electronic device performing communication with a powerless sensor is provided. The electronic device includes a wireless charging module configured to wirelessly transmit power to a powerless sensor; and a communication module configured to receive data that is sensed in the powerless sensor using the wirelessly transmitted power.

Abstract: Within a test bench for screwdrivers, comprising a braking unit (11) with a brake (14) equipped with a fitting (12) for a screwdriver to be tested and transducers (15) for the measurement of angle and torque, a method for controlling the brake (14) comprises a step wherein movement along a torque/angle curve (17) is controlled in a bidirectional manner, in the sense that the brake is controlled according to a curve whose torque values are based on the angle during both decremental progression of the angle and incremental progression of the angle. The method can also comprise a step consisting of setting a starting Cstart torque value other than zero and following the torque/angle curve (17) from the said Cstart value during a screwdriver test.

Abstract: A method for monitoring, controlling, and/or regulating the operation of a centrifuge, in particular a separator, during the centrifugal processing of a product, in particular when clarifying a product and/or when separating a product into different liquid phases. The centrifuge has a drum which can be rotated by a drive spindle, a drum mounting, and a drive motor. Force measurements are performed using one or more force sensors and analyzed, and an output is provided in the event of a deviation from a specified behavior and/or the analyses are used for or during the control and/or regulation of the operation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: Within a test bench for screwdrivers, comprising a braking unit (11) with a brake (14) equipped with a fitting (12) for a screwdriver to be tested and transducers (15) for the measurement of angle and torque, a method for controlling the brake (14) can include a step wherein a starting Cstart torque value other than zero is set and the torque/angle curve (17) is followed starting from such Cstart value, during a screwdriver test. The method can also comprise a step wherein movement along the torque/angle curve (17) is controlled in a bidirectional manner, in the sense that the brake is controlled according to a curve whose torque values are based on the angle during both decremental progression of the angle and incremental progression of the angle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an RFID tag for use with a metal fastener where the fastener operates as the antenna of the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a microchip for storing data. The chip is electrically coupled to the metal fastener in order to receive and transmit the RF signal, the metal fastener thereby operating as the antenna for the RFID tag.

Abstract: Data is encoded for identification and labeling using a multitude of nano-electro-mechanical structures formed on a substrate. The number of such structures, their shapes, choice of materials, the spacing therebetween and the overall distribution of the structures result in a vibrational pattern or an acoustic signature that uniquely corresponds to the encoded data. A first group of the structures is formed in conformity with the design rules of a fabrication process used to manufacture the device that includes the structures. A second group of the structures is formed so as not to conform to the design rules and thereby to undergo variability as a result of the statistical variations that is inherent in the fabrication process.

Abstract: A wheel nut or axle nut for vehicles, having a body, having a central threaded hole, having a peripheral wall, and having an abutment face at a lower side The nut also has a plurality of wrench faces on the peripheral wall of the nut body for tightening or releasing the nut by a tool which cooperates with the wrench faces. In the body at least one recess is provided in which a sensor element is arranged The sensor element is connected to a wireless interface which is configured to transmit a sensor signal of the sensor element wirelessly to an external reception unit.

Abstract: A condition monitoring sensor including an attachment component and a housing is provided. The housing includes a contact surface, at least one sensor, a data collector, and data transmission electronics. The contact surface includes an outward facing portion of the housing that receives a commissioning device. The data collector includes a processor and a memory. The data transmission electronics include a near field communication transponder.

Abstract: An over torque detection system includes a mechanical torque sensor and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The mechanical torque sensor includes first and second contact elements and a moveable element coupled to the first contact element. In a normal operational state the moveable element is in contact with the second contact element and creates an electrical pathway between the first and second contact elements and when in over torque operational state the movable element moves such that it does not contact the second contact element. The RFID tag is connected to the first contact element and the second contact element such that when the mechanical torque sensor is in the normal operation state the RFID tag does not transmit information, and when the mechanical torque sensor is in the over torque operation state the RFID tag does transmit information.

Abstract: A force detection device includes: a force sensor that has a piezoelectric element receiving a force and outputting a charge; a pre-compression unit that pre-compresses the force sensor; and a conversion output circuit that receives the charge from the force sensor and outputs a voltage. The pre-compression unit is short-circuited with a first ground of the conversion output circuit. The pre-compression unit has the same potential as the first ground. The force detection device includes a casing that accommodates the force sensor and the conversion output circuit. The casing is short-circuited with a second ground.

Abstract: A load detection apparatus includes a load input portion having a input surface, and an output surface; a flexure element including on annular portion including a contacting portion configured to make contact with at least a part of the output surface, and a support portion; a set of sensors disposed on a reverse surface opposite to a surface provided with the contacting portion in the annular portion, each of the set of sensors being configured to detect distortion corresponding to an input load; a set of calculation portions configured to calculate a set of magnitudes of the load by use of respective detection results obtained by the set of sensors; and an abnormality determination portion configured to determine whether the set of sensors and the set of calculation portions have no abnormality, by comparing the set of magnitudes of the load with each other.

Abstract: A wheel nut engagement checking system for a vehicle delivered by a conveyor includes: a moving member disposed at one side of the conveyor; a wheel lifting apparatus disposed on the moving member, and lifting a wheel of the vehicle from the conveyor to a predetermined height; a wheel nut torque checking apparatus provided on an arm of a robot disposed on the moving member, engaging a nut runner to a wheel nut of the wheel, and checking an engage torque of the wheel nut by rotating the nut runner; and a controller controlling a speed of the moving member, lifting the wheel to the predetermined height using the wheel lifting apparatus, moving the wheel nut torque checking apparatus using the robot so as to engage the nut runner to the wheel nut, and detecting an engage torque of the wheel nut by rotating the nut runner.

Abstract: A unitary tension and torque calibration apparatus consists of a unitary device which has a hollow rotary torque transducer for calibrating the torque of a rotating torque tightening tool. At the same time the torque of the tool is being calibrated, a reaction arm attached to the transducer reacts against rotation to induce stress on the metal component being calibrated. The axial forces generated within the metal component by rotation, opposed by the reaction arm, results in tension which is calibrated by a piston driven load cell secured directly to the transducer. Display devices attached to the transducer and load cell simultaneously and contemporaneously show the calibrated results.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically attached connections of conduits may include a conduit gripping member, a drive member, and a seal member, the drive member causing axial movement of the conduit gripping member to indent into an outer surface of the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up, the drive member causing the seal member to form a zero clearance seal at a location that is axially spaced from the conduit gripping member. The zero clearance seal may comprise a face seal arrangement including a gasket, and the conduit gripping member may be a ferrule, ring or other device that can grip and optionally seal against the conduit outer surface. The assembly may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a characteristic or condition of an assembly component or the fluid or both. In one embodiment, a body coupling member has a two piece construction of a main body and a conduit socket insert. A flared fitting embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: A system for taking a measurement at a connection element. The system has a force sensor having a first side and a second side. The force sensor is configured to provide a measured value representative for a force acting between the first and the second side of the force sensor. The system also has an ultrasonic sensor and a positioning bushing The positioning bushing has a positioning bushing recess, which is configured to receive the ultrasonic sensor, at least in part. The system also has a separate sensor bushing, mechanically coupled to the first side of the force sensor, and having a sensor bushing recess. The sensor bushing recess is configured to receive, at least in part, the positioning bushing and the first end of the connection element. A second end of the connection element can be mechanically coupled to the second side of the force sensor.

Abstract: A system and method performed by the system comprising obtaining a work parameter measured by a smart tool connected to an electronic device; and displaying information associated with the work parameter on a display of the electronic device. A system and method perform by the system comprises measuring a work parameter associated with a smart tool operating on a workpiece; and sending the work parameter to an electronic device connected to the smart tool to enable the electronic device to display information associated with the work parameter on a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of validating a compressive axial preload on adjacent rotatable elements serially arranged around a shaft, created through application of a progressively increasing axial tension to a tensioning member configured to compress the elements when the axial tension is applied. The method includes monitoring a load in the tensioning member and/or in one or more of the elements, and an elongation of the tensioning member, during application of the axial tension, determining at least one validation parameter from the load and the elongation, comparing each validation parameter with a respective predetermined range therefor; and if at least one of the at least one validation parameter is out of the respective predetermined range, correcting the preload on the elements, and repeating the method. A method of applying the compressive preload and a system for validating the compressive preload are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety gate including a frame with a horizontal base member and usually two vertical upright post members affixed to each end of the base member at its lower end; a door mounted for hinged opening movement, hingedly attached to the vertical upright post member; the frame being held in position by frictional engagement against supporting walls of an opening, provided and adjusted by attachment means which are mounted on adjusting rods; the door includes an upper bar and a lower bar connected together with a number of pales spaced apart to form an effective barrier; the door also including a closing mechanism for releasibly retaining the door in the closed position.