Abstract: A direct tension indicating (DTI) washer. The DTI washer has an annular body and one or more U-shaped horseshoe protuberances. The annular body includes a central hole, a circumference, an outer edge, a first face, and a second face opposite from the first face. The horseshoe protuberances each have a height, an apex closest to the central hole, and an opening directed toward the outer edge. The horseshoe protuberances are integral with the annular body and struck and partially sheared from the annular body to project from the first face of the annular body and leave one or more corresponding indentations in the second face of the annular body. The horseshoe protuberances may be radially offset from their corresponding indentations. An indicating material is initially encapsulated and contained within the area on the first face defined by each of the horseshoe protuberances.

Abstract: A direct tension indicating (DTI) washer. The DTI washer has an annular body and one or more U-shaped horseshoe protuberances. The annular body includes a central hole, a circumference, an outer edge, a first face, and a second face opposite from the first face. The horseshoe protuberances each have a height, an apex closest to the central hole, and an opening directed toward the outer edge. The horseshoe protuberances are integral with the annular body and struck and partially sheared from the annular body to project from the first face of the annular body and leave one or more corresponding indentations in the second face of the annular body. The horseshoe protuberances may be radially offset from their corresponding indentations. An indicating material is initially encapsulated and contained within the area on the first face defined by each of the horseshoe protuberances.

Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer including an annular body with a central hole, one or more protuberances, and one or more indentations. The one or more protuberances are integral with the annular body, and struck and partially sheared from the annular body to project from a first face of the annular body and leave the one or more corresponding indentations in a second face of the annular body opposite the first face. The one or more indentations are offset from the one or more protuberances and located farther from the central hole of the annular body than the one or more protuberances. By offsetting the protuberances and indentations, the washer is strengthened and is more suitable for use in joint assemblies having enlarged or oversized holes.

Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer including an annular body with a central hole, one or more protuberances, and one or more indentations. The one or more protuberances are integral with the annular body, and struck and partially sheared from the annular body to project from a first face of the annular body and leave the one or more corresponding indentations in a second face of the annular body opposite the first face. The one or more indentations are offset from the one or more protuberances and located farther from the central hole of the annular body than the one or more protuberances. By offsetting the protuberances and indentations, the washer is strengthened and is more suitable for use in joint assemblies having enlarged or oversized holes.

Abstract: An underground shelter having a seamless housing, a lid assembly, and a latch mechanism. The seamless housing is provided with a closed bottom, a sidewall, an open top, and a shelter cavity. The lid assembly is attached to the seamless housing and extends across the open top of the seamless housing. The lid assembly has a door frame and a door assembly attached to the door frame.

Abstract: A pre-load indicating washer for properly tensioning a joint held together by an externally threaded member and an internally threaded member. The pre-load indicating washer has a plurality of protuberances, struck and partially sheared from the annular body of the washer, which are pushed under load back into a corresponding number of indentations in the annular body which are formed when the protuberances are formed. The protuberances of the pre-load indicating washer are curved in outline with no portion of the protuberances extending radially outward beyond the outer periphery of the bearing surface of an externally threaded member when the pre-load indicating washer is positioned adjacent the externally threaded member, or radially outward beyond the outer periphery of the bearing surface of an internally threaded member when the pre-load indicating washer is positioned adjacent the internally threaded member.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor includes a pair of sonic waveguides separated from and parallel to one another. The waveguide pair together define axially separated pairs of lens surfaces so that sonic pulses are coupled therebetween in a time phase relationship when liquid covers those lens pairs below the liquid level, cross coupling of those lens pairs above the liquid level thereby being prevented. Since the axial separation dimension of the lens pairs is known as well as the vessel geometry and location of the waveguide pair in the vessel, counting the pulses returned by virtue of such cross coupling of those lens pairs below the liquid level will establish accurate level detection by standard algorithmic techniques.

Abstract: A solid circular plate mounted above the existing stirrer in a melt grid spinning apparatus provides a positive hold-up time for melting flake descending from the melt grid to the melt pump beneath the grid.