Abstract: A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.

Abstract: A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.

Abstract: A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.

Abstract: A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.

Abstract: Tightening of a bolt is controlled by monitoring the change in round trip time of propagating longitudinal ultrasonic waves through the bolt and the reflection of these waves at the end of the bolt. The round trip time of the longitudinal waves through bolt is continuously measured and monitored in real-time. Elongation of the bolt as it is being tightened is determined based on the change in the round trip time of the longitudinal waves, which provides the level of bolt tension and joint clamp load. In determining the bolt elongation, an elongation-dependent wave speed has been formulated and used in-real time. When the elongation of the bolt reaches a predetermined level, tightening is automatically stopped.

Abstract: A conveyor diagnostic system for monitoring loading of a conveyor line assembly including at least one sensor component coupled to the conveyor line assembly. The sensor component is adapted for detecting loading of the conveyor line assembly and is further adapted for generating and transmitting a signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. The conveyor diagnostic system also includes a ground station adapted to receive and process the signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. Furthermore, the conveyor diagnostic system includes a local positioning system that is adapted for detecting the location of the sensor component in relation to a reference point. A method of using the conveyor diagnostic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor diagnostic system for monitoring loading of a conveyor line assembly including at least one sensor component coupled to the conveyor line assembly. The sensor component is adapted for detecting loading of the conveyor line assembly and is further adapted for generating and transmitting a signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. The conveyor diagnostic system also includes a ground station adapted to receive and process the signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. Furthermore, the conveyor diagnostic system includes a local positioning system that is adapted for detecting the location of the sensor component in relation to a reference point. A method of using the conveyor diagnostic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Tightening of a bolt is controlled by monitoring the change in round trip time of propagating longitudinal ultrasonic waves through the bolt and the reflection of these waves at the end of the bolt. The round trip time of the longitudinal waves through bolt is continuously measured and monitored in real-time. Elongation of the bolt as it is being tightened is determined based on the change in the round trip time of the longitudinal waves, which provides the level of bolt tension and joint clamp load. In determining the bolt elongation, an elongation-dependent wave speed has been formulated and used in-real time. When the elongation of the bolt reaches a predetermined level, tightening is automatically stopped.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a plurality of forces acting on a conveyor chain of a conveyor line includes a pre-selected chain link coupled to the conveyor chain, and a sensor array having a plurality of strain gauges disposed on the pre-selected chain link, each of the plurality of strain gauges being distinctly oriented to measure the plurality of forces acting on the pre-selected link.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a plurality of forces acting on a conveyor chain of a conveyor line includes a pre-selected chain link coupled to the conveyor chain, and a sensor array having a plurality of strain gauges disposed on the pre-selected chain link, each of the plurality of strain gauges being distinctly oriented to measure the plurality of forces acting on the pre-selected link.