Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and maintaining loading of a yaw brake assembly for use with windmills. A bolt assembly attaches to the yaw brake assembly and provides a compressive load to a brake piston within the yaw brake assembly. A load indicator attached to the bolt assembly provides a measurement of load applied to the brake piston by the bolt assembly.

Abstract: A load indicator apparatus which is compact, portable and detachably mounted on the tie-rod. The load indicator apparatus includes a first reference fixture configured for attachment at a first position on the tie-rod, a second fixture configured for attachment at a second position on the tie-rod and an elongation gauge extending between the first reference fixture and the second fixture and configured to measure displacement of the second fixture relative to the first reference fixture during elongation of the tie-rod. A displacement transducer is connected to the second fixture to measure a capacitance value proportional to the loading acting on the tie-rod and transfers it to a load monitoring unit which translates the measured capacitance into a visual load reading and an electronic load output value.

Abstract: A lock ring tightening mechanism includes a rotary pawl carrier disposed in a radial guide track and moveable by a piston connected to the rotary pawl carrier and a ratcheting lock ring configured for rotational actuation in a tightening direction by actuation of the rotary pawl carrier by the piston.

Abstract: A load indicator apparatus which is compact, portable and detachably mounted on the tie-rod. The load indicator apparatus includes a first reference fixture configured for attachment at a first position on the tie-rod, a second fixture configured for attachment at a second position on the tie-rod and an elongation gauge extending between the first reference fixture and the second fixture and configured to measure displacement of the second fixture relative to the first reference fixture during elongation of the tie-rod. A displacement transducer is connected to the second fixture to measure a capacitance value proportional to the loading acting on the tie-rod and transfers it to a load monitoring unit which translates the measured capacitance into a visual load reading and an electronic load output value.

Abstract: A forged, mill liner bolt (100) has a head (114), a shank (112), tapered load-bearing surfaces (116) and lateral projections (120) defining an undercut surface (117), and a sealing member (118) abutting the undercut surface. A plurality of plastically deformable projections (122) extend from the tapered load-bearing surfaces (116) for spreading a load applied to the bolt. Sealing member (118) provides a partially-elastic joint to maintain clamp loading. Sealing member (118) provides an interior seal within a bore in a mill liner to prevent leaking of and racing by mill slurry liquids.

Abstract: A forged, mill liner bolt (100) has a head (114), a shank (112), tapered load-bearing surfaces (116) and lateral projections (120) defining an undercut surface (117), and a sealing member (118) abutting the undercut surface. A plurality of plastically deformable projections (122) extend from the tapered load-bearing surfaces (116) for spreading a load applied to the bolt. Sealing member (118) provides a partially-elastic joint to maintain clamp loading. Sealing member (118) provides an interior seal within a bore in a mill liner to prevent leaking of and racing by mill slurry liquids.

Abstract: A retrofit system for providing a load indicator on a foundation bolt. The system includes a fastener having a fastener head, gauge length and central fastener bore in the gauge length and head. A datum rod is anchored in the central bore with a free datum rod being moveable longitudinally relative to the fastener head during elongation of the fastener gauge length. An internally threaded fastener portion below the central fastener bore is configured to thread over a foundation bolt. A compression sleeve positioned over the foundation bolt is configured to receive the load indicating fastener therein and to bear the compressive forces of the fastening. Elongation of the gauge length as the fastener is tightened onto the stud is manifest as displacement of the datum rod end, which displacement is measured to provide an indication of fastener loading.

Abstract: A washer body bearing hardened balls in apertures in the washer body provides a counter-torque resistance in a fastening. The hardened balls form projections that indent the underside of a fastener head and an adjacent fastening joint surface during tightening of the fastening to prevent rotation of the fastener head while a nut is driven to tighten or loosen the fastening. A reservoir portion of the apertures in the washer around the balls receives the material displaced during indention to allow full contact of the washer with the fastener head and joint surface. The hardened balls provide point loads for ready indentation upon minimal loading to prevent rotation of the fastener, obviating the need for a counter-torque wrench.

Abstract: A retrofit system for providing a load indicator on a foundation bolt. The system includes a fastener having a fastener head, gauge length and central fastener bore in the gauge length and head. A datum rod is anchored in the central bore with a free datum rod being moveable longitudinally relative to the fastener head during elongation of the fastener gauge length. An internally threaded fastener portion below the central fastener bore is configured to thread over a foundation bolt. A compression sleeve positioned over the foundation bolt is configured to receive the load indicating fastener therein and to bear the compressive forces of the fastening. Elongation of the gauge length as the fastener is tightened onto the stud is manifest as displacement of the datum rod end, which displacement is measured to provide an indication of fastener loading.

Abstract: A retrofit system for providing a load indicator on a foundation bolt. The system includes a fastener having a fastener head, gauge length and central fastener bore in the gauge length and head. A datum rod is anchored in the central bore with a free datum rod being moveable longitudinally relative to the fastener head during elongation of the fastener gauge length. An internally threaded fastener portion below the central fastener bore is configured to thread over a foundation bolt. A compression sleeve positioned over the foundation bolt is configured to receive the load indicating fastener therein and to bear the compressive forces of the fastening. Elongation of the gauge length as the fastener is tightened onto the stud is manifest as displacement of the datum rod end, which displacement is measured to provide an indication of fastener loading.

Abstract: An amplified indication of the elongation of a fastener is provided for determining instantaneous loading conditions of a fastener. A load indicator is couplable to a fastener for instantaneous load measurement and includes a housing defining a fastener interface configured to removably couple the housing to a fastener. A moveable datum probe extends from the housing in contact with a datum rod anchored within an internal bore of the fastener. A first lever is pivotally mounted within the housing and is moveable in response to displacement of the datum probe. A load display indicates a degree of loading of a fastener as a function of displacement of the datum probe. A second lever can be used to further amplify the reading from the displacement of the datum probe. An inclined visual scale and a multi-faceted lens allows for viewing of loading values from multiple directions or angles.

Abstract: A retrofit system for providing a load indicator on a foundation bolt. The system includes a fastener having a fastener head, gauge length and central fastener bore in the gauge length and head. A datum rod is anchored in the central bore with a free datum rod being moveable longitudinally relative to the fastener head during elongation of the fastener gauge length. An internally threaded fastener portion below the central fastener bore is configured to thread over a foundation bolt. A compression sleeve positioned over the foundation bolt is configured to receive the load indicating fastener therein and to bear the compressive forces of the fastening. Elongation of the gauge length as the fastener is tightened onto the stud is manifest as displacement of the datum rod end, which displacement is measured to provide an indication of fastener loading.

Abstract: A washer body bearing hardened balls in apertures in the washer body provides a counter-torque resistance in a fastening. The hardened balls form projections that indent the underside of a fastener head and an adjacent fastening joint surface during tightening of the fastening to prevent rotation of the fastener head while a nut is driven to tighten or loosen the fastening. A reservoir portion of the apertures in the washer around the balls receives the material displaced during indention to allow full contact of the washer with the fastener head and joint surface. The hardened balls provide point loads for ready indentation upon minimal loading to prevent rotation of the fastener, obviating the need for a counter-torque wrench.

Abstract: An amplified indication of the elongation of a fastener is provided for determining instantaneous loading conditions of a fastener. A load indicator is couplable to a fastener for instantaneous load measurement and includes a housing defining a fastener interface configured to removably couple the housing to a fastener. A moveable datum probe extends from the housing in contact with a datum rod anchored within an internal bore of the fastener. A first lever is pivotally mounted within the housing and is moveable in response to displacement of the datum probe. A load display indicates a degree of loading of a fastener as a function of displacement of the datum probe. A second lever can be used to further amplify the reading from the displacement of the datum probe. An inclined visual scale and a multi-faceted lens allows for viewing of loading values from multiple directions or angles.

Abstract: A load indicating insert visually displays fastener loading during tightening and use of a fastener. First and second levers are positioned by a connective cartridge substantially within a fastener bore to provide a compound. amplified indication of loading as a function of the elongation or deformation of the fastener. The first lever is connected at an internal pivot point of a cartridge with a lower end resting on an abutment within the fastener bore. As the abutment moves the first lever during elongation, the second lever moves relative to a visual loading scale. As the fastener is loaded and unloaded, varying elongation of the fastener causes displacement of the abutment and movement of the indicator back and forth along the load indicating scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining fastener axial loading includes a fastener insert having an arched bottom surface, which deflects correlative to the level of axial loading. A load indicating mechanism determines axial loading by measuring the amount of deflection experienced by the arched insert. In addition, the arched insert stores elastic energy that is added to the overall elastic energy of the fastener, thereby aiding the fastener integrity during use. A graduated load gauge is moveable to engage a load reference pin with the degree of movement corresponding to the degree of loading experienced by the fastener insert.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liner bolts over a range of impact angles is disclosed. Complimentary liner bolt and driving assembly features cooperate to control energy transfer during impact of the driving assembly upon the liner bolt. The liner bolt includes a convex annular portion on the end face of the bolt shank and a concave depression in the end face of the bolt shank. The driving assembly includes a concave driving face for impacting the convex annular portion of the bolt shank and a spring-loaded guide pin seated in the concave depression of the shank for guiding the concave driving face into contact with the bolt shank. A retraction collar may be associated with the guide pin through a slot in the driving member to retract the guide pin as the driving member chases the liner bolt from the surrounding structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining fastener axial loading includes a fastener insert having an arched bottom surface, which deflects correlative to the level of axial loading. A load indicating mechanism determines axial loading by measuring the amount of deflection experienced by the arched insert. In addition, the arched insert stores elastic energy which is added to the overall elastic energy of the fastener, thereby aiding the fastener integrity during use. The system comprises a zeroing mechanism and full-scale adjustment mechanism for calibration of the system, and an apparatus for measuring in-service load.

Abstract: A variably amplified load indicating fastener includes a fastener (100) detachably secured to a load indicator via a base member. The fastener (100) has an abutment which is moved by a change in length under an applied load. The load indicator includes a dial plate (16), a needle (24) pivotally supported by the plate (16), a compensating slot (36), a driving slot, an elongated U-shaped element (50) disposed in the direction in which the load is applied when the fastener (100) is in use, and a first reference mark (40a). One side of the U is rigidly attached to the fastener. The closed end of the U is proximate to and movable by the abutment. The other side of the U extends through the compensating slot (36) and the driving slot (26). The needle (24) is operatively coupled to the outer end of said second side. A sleeve with a second reference mark fits over the outer circumference of both the load indicator and the base member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining fastener axial loading includes a fastener insert having an arched bottom surface, which deflects correlative to the level of axial loading. A load indicating mechanism determines axial loading by measuring the amount of deflection experienced by the arched insert. In addition, the arched insert stores elastic energy which is added to the overall elastic energy of the fastener, thereby aiding the fastener integrity during use. The system comprises a zeroing mechanism and full-scale adjustment mechanism for calibration of the system, and an apparatus for measuring in-service load.