Deformable Washer Patents (Class 411/10)
  • Patent number: 12152950
    Abstract: A tension measuring device for a holding mechanism such as a ratchet or tie down strap. In one embodiment, a tension measuring device comprises a two-part frame, comprising a movable frame part and a stationary frame part. The movable frame part comprises a first connection portion, one or more biasing element rods, a biasing element lock plate with indicator needle, and one or more rod bolt caps. The stationary frame part comprises a second connection portion, a biasing element chamber, and one or more biasing element rod apertures. Further, the tension measuring device comprises one or more biasing elements and a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Inventor: Alton Shelton
  • Patent number: 11326640
    Abstract: A fastening element (10) comprising a screw (1) with a screw head (11) and a sleeve-shaped rivet arrangement (2) through which the screw (1) passes. Starting from the screw head, the rivet arrangement (2) has an installation spacer region (21), a deformation region (22) and a drive region (23) into which the screw is screwed. Seen from the drive region (23) to the screw head, the circumferential boundaries of the drive region (23) lie within the boundaries of the deformation region (22), the boundaries of the installation spacer region (21) protrude radially over the boundaries of the deformation region (22), and the boundaries of the screw head protrude radially over the boundaries of the installation spacer region (21). The installation spacer region (21) and the deformation region (22) are designed in such a manner that, as the screw is tightened, first of all plastic deformation of the deformation region (22) occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Bossard AG
    Inventors: Florian Beer, Tobias Wolf
  • Patent number: 11305579
    Abstract: A bicycle axle is provided, including a mandrel and a sleeve member. The mandrel defines an axial direction and includes an axial rod, a head portion radially protruding from an end of the axial rod and an engaging portion radially protruding from the axial rod and being axially spaced apart from the head portion. The sleeve member is sleeved around the head portion and includes a flange radially extending inwardly. At least part of the flange is located between the head portion and the engaging portion and is abuttable against the head portion and the engaging portion in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Chung-Che Lee
  • Patent number: 10738817
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TurnaSure LLC
    Inventors: F. Jonathan M. Turner, David L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10640969
    Abstract: A joint assembly for joining structural members in a building frame can comprise: a marriage strap including one or more through-holes; one or more fasteners configured to be inserted through the one or more through-holes of the marriage strap; and a cube coupling joint including one or more recessed channels sized and shaped to receive a portion of the marriage strap, one or more fastener holes located within the one or more recessed channels and configured to receive and secure to the one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the marriage strap is configured to be inserted into the one or more recessed channels of the cube coupling joint and the one or more fasteners are further configured to be inserted into and secured to the one or more fastener holes of the cube coupling joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: BuildXGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Grosch, Tarek M. Mokhtar
  • Patent number: 10215215
    Abstract: Tolerance absorber sleeve (20) for fastening a first component (40) to a second component (30) within a predetermined tolerance range (D), wherein said sleeve (20) is made of a metallic material and comprises a wall (21) and a first axial end portion (26) and a second axial end portion (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ningbo Geely Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Zylberstein, Oscar Tullberg, Tom Stoddart
  • Patent number: 10047780
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer apparatus includes a direct tension indicating washer; a base washer; and an anti-rotation feature to prevent rotation of the direct tension indicating washer relative to the base washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED BOLTING TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jordan David Richardson, Robert David Westover
  • Patent number: 9823142
    Abstract: A force sensor for measuring axially occurring forces in manually operated or pneumatic presses has a central axis and an outer diameter and includes a bolt and a nut that preload between them a piezoelectric force washer with a plug connection. The washer has an inner end face defining a first bore having a first diameter with an internal thread. The bolt defines a throughbore with an internal diameter, a head portion and a hollow shaft defining a frontal external thread extending through the force washer and engaging the nut's internal thread. The nut or the head portion defines a second bore with a second diameter measuring smaller than the shafts internal diameter but at least one quarter of the outer diameter and at least as long as its diameter. The inner wall of the second bore defines a center mount for a sliding fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Andri Michael Lehmann
  • Patent number: 9239071
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a direct tension indicator (DTI) plate. The DTI plate may include a hub having an opening, and an annular array of circumferentially-spaced legs extending radially outwardly from the hub. Each leg may include a knee portion extending from the hub, a foot portion, and an ankle portion joining the knee and foot portions, and the foot portions may be oriented at least partially in a common, circumferential direction. In addition, the ankle portion may be narrower than the knee portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Charles Lee Dardas
  • Patent number: 8696275
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer includes a body having a first surface having a protuberance formed thereon; the body having a second surface having an indentation formed opposite the protuberance; and an insert positioned internal to the body, the body and the insert being made from materials of different hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Bolting Technology Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Wayne Wallace, Jordan Richardson
  • Patent number: 8591157
    Abstract: A direct load indicating fastener assembly includes a flange fastener of one-piece construction having a head with an integral flange. A load indicator has a flat base, a plurality of protuberances on the base and a peripheral rim. At least a portion of the peripheral rim overlies the fastener flange and captures the fastener in assembly with the load indicator while permitting free rotation of the fastener with respect to the indicator. The fastener preferably is a flange nut or a flange bolt. A hardened metal washer may be disposed between the load-indicating protuberances on the base and an undersurface of the fastener head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Nicholas Strumbos
  • Patent number: 8197167
    Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator, a fastener body, and a securing mechanism retaining the load indicator on the fastener body. The load indicator has integral protuberances struck and partially sheared from the load indicator to project from a face and leave corresponding indentations in an opposite face. The securing mechanism may be a member extending radially outward from the shank of the fastener body, such as a plurality of spaced apart tabs; at least one thread; at least one flare, stake, or form; a step ring; a series of bumps; a knurl; and one or more lobes. Alternative embodiments of the securing mechanism include a key-and-keyhole combination; an interference fit facilitated by a chamfer or by one or more lobes or by shaped surfaces of the fastener body and of the load indicator; one or more tack welded interconnections; and an adhesive patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: TurnAnut LLC
    Inventors: F. Jonathan M. Turner, Nicholas Strumbos, Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 8192102
    Abstract: An apparatus has a tubular body with a channel and a number of stiffeners. The number of stiffeners allows the tubular body to absorb additional mechanical energy through axial compression. Additionally, the number of stiffeners is located on a number of locations for the tubular body. The apparatus also has a plurality of hinges located in part between the number of locations of the number of stiffeners for the tubular body, and also located between end flanges at the end of the tubular body and a stiffener. The number of hinges further define deformable regions. At least one deformable region of the plurality of deformable regions is configured to expand away from the channel in response to the tubular body being compressed in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Heidari, Adrian Stanescu, Saba Mahanian
  • Patent number: 8134835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device for compression clamping of one or more semiconductor devices and associated semiconductor components with a desired compression force equally distributed across the opposing surfaces of the devices and associated components. The semiconductor devices and components are located between opposing jaws that are joined together by at least two tie rods, which compressively load the opposing jaws to apply the desired compression force to the semiconductor devices and components. The desired compression force is first achieved in even distribution between independent clamp pressure set point assemblies and the first jaw, where each of the independent clamp pressure set point assemblies is associated with one of the tie rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Satyen N. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 7857562
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer including a first surface having a protuberance formed thereon; a second surface having an indentation formed opposite the protuberance; an indicating material positioned in the indentation; and a channel leading from the indentation to an outer diameter of the direct tension indicating washer; wherein the protuberance has four walls, each of the walls being substantially perpendicular to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ivan Wayne Wallace
  • Patent number: 7635243
    Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator and a fastener body. The load indicator comprises an annular body defining a through hole having a minimum diameter and a plurality of protuberances integral with a first face of the annular body and a corresponding plurality of indentations in a second face of the annular body opposite from the first face. The fastener body comprises a series of threads, a head defining a contact surface, and a shank depending from the contact surface. The shank includes a first portion having a first outside diameter less than the through hole minimum diameter such that the load indicator is received on the shank first portion and a second portion including at least one radially extending member having a second outside diameter greater than the through hole minimum diameter such that the load indicator is retained on the fastener body thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: TurnAnut, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Turner, Nicholas Strumbos, Robert Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090269157
    Abstract: The invention relates to anchors for fixing an article (2) to a substrate (3). In order to improve such an anchor (4) in respect of its capacity to absorb transverse force in the event of earthquakes, the invention proposes that the anchor (4) have a conversion device (14) such that movement of an article (2) fixed with the anchor (4) relative to the substrate (3) and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anchor (4) results predominantly in an increase in the axially acting pre-tensioning force of the anchor (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Hannes Spieth, Peter Schillinger, Jan Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090151466
    Abstract: A fixing element and inspection system for examining the status of the fixing element are provided in the present invention. The fixing has a sensing material disposed therein for transforming the force acting on the fixing element into an electrical signal. A signal processing unit, powered by a radio frequency circuit, is coupled to the sensing material for transforming the electrical signal into a readable signal and then transmitting the readable signal to the inspection system through radio frequency so as to monitor the status of the fixing element. By means of the present invention, it is capable of inspecting and monitoring the status of a great amount of fixing elements rapidly and precisely, especially in occasion that extreme safety should be highly concerned, for example, fixing elements secured to the airplane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: TUNG-CHUAN WU, SHUO-HUNG CHANG, LAI-SHENG CHEN CHEN, YEN-CHIEH MAO
  • Publication number: 20090047060
    Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator, a fastener body, and a securing mechanism retaining the load indicator on the fastener body. The load indicator has integral protuberances struck and partially sheared from the load indicator to project from a face and leave corresponding indentations in an opposite face. The securing mechanism may be a member extending radially outward from the shank of the fastener body, such as a plurality of spaced apart tabs; at least one thread; at least one flare, stake, or form; a step ring; a series of bumps; a knurl; and one or more lobes. Alternative embodiments of the securing mechanism include a key-and-keyhole combination; an interference fit facilitated by a chamfer or by one or more lobes or by shaped surfaces of the fastener body and of the load indicator; one or more tack welded interconnections; and an adhesive patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: TurnaSure, LLC
    Inventors: F. Jonathan M. Turner, Nicholas Strumbos, Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 7473064
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald C. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20080038076
    Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator and a fastener body. The load indicator comprises an annular body defining a through hole having a minimum diameter and a plurality of protuberances integral with a first face of the annular body and a corresponding plurality of indentations in a second face of the annular body opposite from the first face. The fastener body comprises a series of threads, a head defining a contact surface, and a shank depending from the contact surface. The shank includes a first portion having a first outside diameter less than the through hole minimum diameter such that the load indicator is received on the shank first portion and a second portion including at least one radially extending member having a second outside diameter greater than the through hole minimum diameter such that the load indicator is retained on the fastener body thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: F. Jonathan M. Turner, Nicholas Strumbos, Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 7207760
    Abstract: A washer has a body having an axis and provided with a first face surface located at one axial side and adapted to cooperate with a nut, a second face surface located at an opposite axial side and adapted to cooperate with an object to be assembled or disassembled, and at least one additional turning resistant surface adapted to cooperate with a bolt, the additional turning resistant surface of the body being formed as a frictional surface providing a friction between the body and the bolt to frictionally impede the bolt from turning and at the same to allow the bolt to be displaced in an axial direction when the nut is turned, the second face surface of the body being formed to provide a friction between the body and the object and therefore to impede the body from turning, and the first face surface of the body being formed with a smaller frictional characteristic than the second face surface of the body to at least reduce dragging of the body into turning by the turning nut; and a fastener is provided with
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 7156595
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 7066053
    Abstract: A washer which has a body having a first bearing face surface at one axial side and adapted to cooperate with a nut, a second bearing face surface at an opposite axial side and adapted to cooperate with an object, at least one third turning resistant surface adapted to cooperate with a thread of the bolt, and at least one breaking point arranged so that when the nut is turned and turns the bolt the washer stops the bolt from turning and thereby the nut creates a pull on the bolt which elongates the bolt in an axial direction and applies to the washer an axial force which breaks said body of the washer and allows a portion of said body of the washer to be pulled axially when the bolt elongates; and also a fastener, a method of fastening objects, and a tool for fastening objects can be provided with the new washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 6986298
    Abstract: For assembling at least two parts of an object with one another, a bolt having a thread is introduced into the parts, a washer is placed on a free end of the bolt, a nut is threadingly connected to the free end of the bolt so as to abut against the washer, a power tool is placed so as to turn the nut by a rotatable element of the power tool connected to the nut to tighten or loosen the bolt and to apply a non-rotatable element of the power tool to the washer to absorb reaction force and the body of the washer is provided with a breaking point such that when the nut is turned and turns the bolt, the washer stops the bolt from turning and thereby the nut creates a pull on the bolt which elongates the bolt in an axial direction and applies to the body of the washer an axial force which breaks a portion of the body of the washer and allows a portion of the body of the washer to be pulled axially when the bolt elongates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 6712031
    Abstract: There is provided a support device for a rocker arm, which is capable of suppressing deformation or wear of a washer, and greatly improving the working efficiency in assembling the washer to the rocker arm. The support device supports the rocker arm having a supported portion, for driving an engine valve of an internal combustion engine. A rocker shaft is supported between a pair of shaft holders arranged in the cylinder head, for pivotally supporting the rocker arm thereon via the supported portion. A washer has engaging pieces, and is attached to one of opposed ends of the supported portion of the rocker arm and one of the shaft holders, in a manner interposed between the opposed ends. The one of the opposed ends is formed with an annular engaging portion for having the washer engaged thereon via the engaging piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeya Harada, Toshiki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6425718
    Abstract: A washer extrudes indicating material of varying colors depending on the compression force applied to it by providing a first and second surface having respective bumps and indentations. The compression force on the washer is equal to the tension of a bolt passing through the washer. The indentations in the second surface are filled with a solid extrudable colored material. By making at least a first bump taller than at least a second bump, the first bump will compress before the second bump, causing it to extrude the color material in its corresponding indentation before the second bump does the same as the tension in the bolt is increased. By making the material under the first bump a different color than the material under the second bump, an operator can determine which of two desired tensions the bolt has reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Bolting Technology Products Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Herr, Ivan Wayne Wallace
  • Patent number: 6250863
    Abstract: A washer having a plurality of strain gauges, at least one of which is positioned on a portion of the washer subjected to axial force and at least one of which is positioned on a portion of the washer not subjected to axial force. In a preferred embodiment, each such washer portion has two strain gauges and the total of four strain gauges are connected into a common bridge circuit. In the preferred embodiment the portion of the washer not subjected to axial force is a wedge partially cut into the washer structure and shortened axially to form a gap between the wedge and a surface abutting the washer. In this manner, axial force applied to the washer is not applied to the wedge. The resulting strain gauge configuration provides an electrical signal indication of axial stress that is high resolution and temperature insensitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Boris Kamentser, Eugenia Kamentser
  • Patent number: 6135687
    Abstract: A device used to indicate whether a predetermined compressive load has been applied to the device. The device is formed to receive an anchor member upon which a tensioning force is to be applied in conjunction with loading the device. The device itself has an upper press that has an aperture formed to receive the anchor member and also has means for manipulating a washer. The device also has a lower die with an aperture formed to receive the anchor member. The lower die is formed so as to be able to work in conjunction with the upper press when the upper press and lower die are aligned and moved towards each other. The lower die also has means for manipulating the washer. The means for manipulating the washer are also formed to cooperate with the means for manipulating the washer on the upper press. The device also has a washer that lies between the upper press and the lower die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Leek, M. Joe Luthy
  • Patent number: 6095733
    Abstract: A threaded fastener for securing workpieces with a determinable desired clamp load and including a nut assembly and a bolt with the nut assembly including a nut member with a lock base having a load ring portion and a boss portion with the boss portion adapted to be located in a retention counterbore in the nut member and being of a length to provide a gap between the load ring portion and nut and at a predetermined load to collapse and close the gap and be deformed radially into compressive engagement with the threads of the bolt to provide prevailing torque type lock structure resisting loosening of the nut assembly from the bolt with the predetermined collapse load providing the desired clamp load and with the gap closure visibly indicating attainment of the desired clamp load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Huck International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Busby, Walter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5931618
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating and maintaining washer has a first surface having at least one protuberance formed thereon and a second surface having at least one indentation formed therein opposite the protuberance. The inner diameter of the direct tension indicating and maintaining washer has an inner diameter wall meeting the second surface at an inner diameter edge. The outer diameter has an outer diameter wall meeting the second surface at an outer diameter edge. The inner diameter edge and the outer diameter edge lie in different planes. This causes the flattened direct tension indicating and maintaining washer to exert force against a bolt and maintain bolt tension. An alternative direct tension indicating and maintaining washer includes indicating material positioned in the indentation and a channel formed in the second surface leading from the indentation to the outside diameter of the direct tension indicating washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Bolting Technology Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Wayne Wallace, John A. Herr
  • Patent number: 5927918
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a trailer ball to a mounting platform. The apparatus includes a trailer ball having a threaded stem, a flat washer, and a nut having a plastic collar. The plastic collar includes a ring which is disposed between the nut and flat washer. The ring is formed of a plastic material which is extruded when the nut is tightened sufficiently to provide a positive indication that sufficient tension has been placed on the joint. The method also includes lubricating the stem before threading the nut onto the stem and removing the extruded ring after tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Valley Industries
    Inventor: Robert J. Burger
  • Patent number: 5885034
    Abstract: The washer is of frusto-conical shape as viewed externally and consits of a body (21) and a tapered flange (23) depending therefrom. When the lip (28) of the flange rests on a flat surface and the washer is subjected to a predetermined compressive load (26) the tapering of the flange leads to its deformation radially outward. This expansion acts as a visual indication that the predetermined load has been applied. The flattening of the flange which also accompanies its deformation increases the contact area of the washer with the underlying surface and thereby reduces contact stresses. When used in rockbolting, hole (22) receives a rock bolt and the void defined by the flange (23) can accommodate a raised portion of a load plate. The recess (30) receives a bearing assembly or a domed element (the latter compensates for misalignment of the bolt with the surface) so as to transmit tightening loads from the nut of the rock bolt to the washer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Rollformers Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Robert Fergusson
  • Patent number: 5882148
    Abstract: An apparatus for yielding rock support in a rock bolt where yielding is achieved by one or more yielding elements at one or more levels of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: DM Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis Mraz
  • Patent number: 5769581
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating and maintaining washer has a first surface having at least one protuberance formed thereon and a second surface having at least one indentation formed therein opposite the protuberance. The inner diameter of the direct tension indicating and maintaining washer has an inner diameter wall meeting the second surface at an inner diameter edge. The outer diameter has an outer diameter wall meeting the second surface at an outer diameter edge. The inner diameter edge and the outer diameter edge lie in different planes. This causes the flattened direct tension indicating and maintaining washer to exert force against a bolt and maintain bolt tension. An alternative direct tension indicating and maintaining washer includes indicating material positioned in the indentation and a channel formed in the second surface leading from the indentation to the outside diameter of the direct tension indicating washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Bolting Technology Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Wayne Wallace, John A. Herr
  • Patent number: 5722807
    Abstract: A method and device for monitoring fastener loads as well as clamp loads imposed on base metal with a special washer usable with bolt heads, nuts, and other fastener elements which washer has at least one integral arm whose position is indicative of fastener load as determined by the phenomenon of dishing of the base metal and washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Structural Integrity Monitoring
    Inventor: Malcolm H. Hodge
  • Patent number: 5667346
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: F. Jonathan M. Turner
    Inventor: David L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5586851
    Abstract: A prestress-monitoring element for screw-type anchors is arranged to be inserted like a washer between a nut and an article to be fixed and includes a pressure ring and an expansion ring. If the nut provided for fixing is tightened, then the resultant axial prestress causes the pressure ring to expand the expansion ring until the nut lies against the expansion ring. In this end position, a prestress required by the construction of the prestress-monitoring element is achieved. The position of the nut on the pressure ring can be monitored visually, as a result of which the prestress can be indirectly monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Manfred Haage
  • Patent number: 5487632
    Abstract: A pre-load indicating washer in which a plurality of protuberances, struck and partially sheared from the annular body of the washer, are pushed under load back into a corresponding plurality of indentations in the annular body which are formed when the protuberances are formed. The mass of material defined by each protuberance/indentation pair is concentrated along the lengthwise central region of the protuberance/indentation pair, thereby stiffening the protuberance, so that when load is applied to the washer, the protuberance will first undergo elastic deformation prior to collapsing back into the indentation from which it was formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: J & M Turner, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Craig Hood, Lloyd J. Larson
  • Patent number: 5447362
    Abstract: A quick release apparatus includes a tightening shaft including a screw portion at one end thereof, a tightening control lever mounted on the other end of the tightening shaft, and a clamp mounted on the screw portion. The clamp includes a nut meshed with the screw portion, a contact element axially movable relative to the nut and including a surface for contacting an object, and an elastic element disposed between the nut and the contact element. The contact element and nut are disposed coaxially with the tightening shaft to be rotatable relative to each other around the tightening shaft. This quick release apparatus further includes a displacement amplifying link mechanism such as a single lever mechanism for amplifying a relative axial displacement between the nut and contact element. A subtle relative displacement between the nut and contact element is presented as an enlarged displacement for observation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5385054
    Abstract: A device to monitor tension in a fastener assembly such as a stationary bolt and a moveable nut for securing elements therebetween. The device is in the form of a washer for use in the assembly between the nut and the elements or the bolt head and the elements. In one example, a slot is provided in the surface of the washer and extends radially outwardly from the inner periphery thereof. A recess is formed in the bottom of the slot, creating at least one fulcrum point in the slot. A monitor and indicating strip, for example a spring steel, is located in the slot and, under tension from one of the fastener assembly members, the distal end of the strip rises from the slot to provide a visual and measurable monitor of tension in the assembly. In another example, the monitor strip is located on the surface of the washer and the fulcrum is located on one of the fastener elements, such as on the underside of the nut, for engaging the strip under pressure, causing its distal end to rise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Hy Kramer
  • Patent number: 5370483
    Abstract: A pre-load indicating washer in which a plurality of protuberances, struck and partially sheared from the annular body of the washer, are pushed under load back into a corresponding plurality of indentations in the annular body which are formed when the protuberances are formed. The mass of material defined by each protuberance/indentation pair is concentrated along the lengthwise central region of the protuberance/indentation pair, thereby stiffening the protuberance, so that when load is applied to the washer, the protuberance will first undergo elastic deformation prior to collapsing back into the indentation from which it was formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: J & M Turner, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Craig Hood, Lloyd J. Larson
  • Patent number: 5188494
    Abstract: The present invention is a torque indicator device that provides a positive indication as to whether or not a threaded fastener has been tightened to a desired torque. The present invention torque indicator device is mounted under the head of a threaded fastener and is shaped so that the indicator device is displaced from beneath the threaded fastener's head as the threaded fastener is tightened to a predetermined torque. As the threaded fastener is tightened to a predetermined torque, the brightly colored indicator device falls away from the threaded fastener giving an easily observed positive indication as to whether the threaded fastener has been properly tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Donald T. Hatin
  • Patent number: 5088866
    Abstract: A indicating-nut threaded coupling with load-indicating device (1) adapted to be arranged in particular on grouted anchors for mining or the like and in order to obtain a simple solution which is advantageous in use a free space is formed by at least one groove (4) equipped with a fold bottom (5), the groove being arranged in the outer wall (3) of a bushing (2) which extends spaced from the outer surface of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Friedr. Ischebeck GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst F. Ischebeck, Joachim Isenberg
  • Patent number: 5064312
    Abstract: A delay stopper for use in a mine roof anchor is provided. A mine roof anchor has a threaded roof bolt and a threaded receiving member for the roof bolt whereby the roof bolt and the receiving member initially rotate as a unit to mix resin components that are placed in the bore hole in a destructible capsule above the roof anchor. When the roof anchor is placed in the bore hole, the destructible capsule is ruptured, and the components within the capsule are mixed to form resin which at least partially secures the mine roof anchor within the bore hole. The delay stopper causes the roof bolt and the threaded receiving member to rotate as a unit to mix the resin after the capsule ruptures. The delay stopper has a cylindrical body portion interfitting into the threads of the threaded receiving member and a conical end portion formed on the cylindrical body portion and extending axially from the body portion in a direction toward the end of the roof bolt. The delay stopper is preferably formed of an epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Jennmar Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Calandra, Jr., Jerry Frease
  • Patent number: 5015132
    Abstract: A pre-load indicating washer in which a plurality of protuberances, struck and partially sheared from the annular body of the washer, are pushed under load back into a corresponding of indentations in the annular body which are formed when the protuberances are formed. The walls of the protuberances and the walls of the indentations are arranged so that when the protuberances are "collapsed" back into the indentations, there is minimal frictional resistance as the walls of the protuberances slide past the walls of the indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: J & M Turner Inc.
    Inventors: F. Jonathan M. Turner, A. Craig Hood
  • Patent number: 4988246
    Abstract: Apparatus for indicating incomplete and complete fastening of a screw includes a washer and a ring of a generally flat synthetic resin sheet. The washer includes a pair of washer portions of a generally flat, round shape and a joint portion interconnecting the washer portions to face them in opposite directions to enable the washer portions to receive a shank of a screw in the openings thereof. The lengthwise section of the joint portion forms generally a U shape. The ring is made of a generally round, deformable material and is inserted between the pair of washer portions thus facing each other. The deformable material is expanded radially outward, when compressed by the washer portions receiving the shank of the screw when fastened. Upon the compressive force reaching a predetermined value, the ring will be broken due to the pair of washer portions overlaying one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Kyodo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Teruo Arai, Toshiro Ishikawa, Masaji Shimada, Shigeru Susaki, Yukihiko Yamada, Hisao Ohta, Katsuyoshi Nagami, Kazutami Hayajiri, Takaharu Yoshioka, Shigo Hirai, Tosio Ichida, Nobuyuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 4981735
    Abstract: A two-piece mount is provided that is adapted to have the two pieces scre together and has a central bore through one of the two pieces for mounting an insert therein. Each of the two pieces of the mount has means for containing adhesive to allow the two mount pieces to be bonded to a composite structure when the two pieces have been mounted relative to the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Donald D. Rickson
  • Patent number: 4976778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infiltrated ferrous powder metal part containing certain additives, yielding a part having improved dimensional control during infiltration and uniform and predictable distribution of dynamic properties within a given group of commonly manufactured parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: SCM Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Berry, Erhard Klar, Mark Svilar
  • Patent number: 4954018
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rib bolt assembly including a collapsible yield device located between an exposed end of the rib bolt and a side of a mine pillar in which the collapsible yield device will withstand a predetermined torque but will collapse at a stress less than the failure strength of the rib bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Jim Walter Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gauna