Abstract: A diaphragm transducer (10) for sensing loading includes a bolt (12) having a bolt hole (26) whose head portion (28) receives the diaphragm (34) of a transducer member (32) which also includes a stem (36) received within a shank portion (30) of the bolt hole. Both the diaphragm (34) and the stem (36) are fixed so as to sense loading by one or more strain gauges on the diaphragm. The transducer member (32) preferably has a unitary construction with the diaphragm (34) and stem (36) integral with each other. A bolt seat (40) and a retainer (42) preferably cooperate to clamp a rim (50) of the diaphragm periphery, while threads (58) on a distal end (38) of the stem (36) are received by threads (62) of the bolt hole shank portion (30) to secure the stem.

Abstract: A compression strain gauge transducer assembly (10) includes a sensing member (14) that receives a strain gauge transducer (16) within a counterbored hole (26) through a head (18) and shank (20) of the sensing member. An inner pilot end (28) of the sensing member hole receives a pilot (40) of the transducer with flat annular seats (30) and (40) of the hole and the transducer engaged in a manner that provides accurate readings of compression loads in association with the pilot construction. An intermediate portion (46) of the transducer (16) has outer surfaces (48) that define a square cross section with strain gauges (50) mounted on the outer surfaces axially inward from a threaded outer transducer portion (52) received by a threaded outer portion (34) of the sensing member hole (26).

Abstract: A strain gauge transducer (10) disclosed has particular utility when utilized with a bolt (12) to sense loading and has a construction which permits accurate axial alignment, testing before installation, removal for inspection and any necessary repair, and accurate readings that are not substantially affected by bending loading. The transducer (10) includes a body (30) having a web (40) extending between a threaded inner end (32) and an enlarged outer head (34). An annular seat (36) on the head (34) engages a bolt hole surface as the threaded inner end (32) is received by a threaded portion of the bolt hole. At least two strain gauges (46) are utilized with each mounted on one of the parallel web surfaces (42), and wires (50) connected to the strain gauges extend through a wire passage (48) in the enlarged head to permit a signal to be sensed by the strain gauges and fed to suitable instrumentation. In the preferred construction, the web (40) has a thickness in the range of about 0.020 to 0.