Color Indicator Patents (Class 411/13)
  • Patent number: 11815115
    Abstract: An expansion anchor includes an anchor bolt with a rear face, a displaceable body located adjacent to the anchor bolt, and at least one wedge body located in a front region of the anchor bolt. The wedge body has a converging zone for displacing the displaceable body. An optically readable code is located at the rear face of the anchor bolt. At least one code protection protrusion projects from the anchor bolt rearwardly beyond the optically readable code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mareike Frensemeier, Wentao Yan, Byron-David Bell
  • Patent number: 11372577
    Abstract: Embodiments of an improved memory architecture for processing data inside of a device are described. In some embodiments, the device can store neural network layers, such as a systolic flow engine, in non-volatile memory and/or a separate first memory. A processor of a host system can delegate the execution of a neural network to the device. Advantageously, neural network processing in the device can be scalable, with the ability to process large amounts of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luiz M. Franca-Neto, Viacheslav Dubeyko
  • Patent number: 11193523
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer includes 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 indicating material is weather-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED BOLTING TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kristyn Joelle Wallace, Robert David Westover, Jordan David Richardson
  • Patent number: 10704975
    Abstract: A threaded element for a mechanical joint includes a body including threads and a visual torque indicator disposed on the body, the torque indicator including a strain-responsive material configured to change visual appearance in response to the application of a strain of a predetermined first magnitude thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ted Lewis Robertson, Ronald Bruce Schofield
  • Patent number: 9046433
    Abstract: A threaded member capable of detecting tension includes a sensor component. A receiving space is formed in the threaded member. The sensor component has a flexible member and a sensor. The sensor is disposed on the flexible member. The sensor component is disposed in the receiving space of the threaded member and preset in a compressed/flexed state in an axial/longitudinal direction of the threaded member. When an article is tightened with the threaded member, the threaded member is tensioned to change the flexion of the flexible member. At this time, the sensor can detect and find the tension of the threaded member to achieve the tightening force applied to the threaded member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9016997
    Abstract: Safety apparatuses for objects having at least one nut are disclosed. Contemplated apparatuses comprise a base, one or more nut caps, and one or more electronic sensors configured to acquire data related to a corresponding nut, wheel or tire. In some embodiments, a physical nut rotation indicator that can readily be observed by an operator is included, and a retention wall disposed on the base can operate in conjunction with the physical nut rotation indicator to block a rotation of a nut. Apparatuses are preferably configured to remain stable in harsher environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Safety Trim Worldwide Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Dooner
  • Patent number: 8950990
    Abstract: Safety apparatuses for objects having a nut are disclosed. Contemplated apparatuses comprise a nut cap and a nut rotation indicator that can readily be observed by an operator. A retention wall can also be included to operate in conjunction with an additional component to block a rotation of a nut. Apparatuses are preferably configured to remain stable in harsher environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Safety Trim Worldwide Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Dooner
  • Patent number: 8782867
    Abstract: A device (1; 20; 51) for assembling pre-bored (15) elements (2; 3), the elements together having a reference thickness (18) that may vary up to an actual maximum thickness (40), may include a male element (4; 21; 52) having a shank (6; 22; 54) extending in a thread (11; 27) or swaging grooves (59), an external surface (12; 28; 60) having a height (13; 61) equal to a height (14) of the shank, chosen so as to correspond to at least the actual maximum thickness (40) of the elements to be assembled, wherein the external surface has a visual reference mark (16; 35; 63), located at a distance (17) of a lower limit (9; 34; 57), or extending over a distance (17) from a lower limit up to an upper limit (42A; 42B; 65) toward the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lisi Aerospace
    Inventor: Florent Verdier
  • Publication number: 20140178145
    Abstract: A device for handling a load provided with a thread includes a screw assembly equipped with a gripper and capable of connecting to the load, a first screwing indicator secured to the screw assembly, a second screwing indicator movable in translation relative to the first screwing indicator, and a spring. In particular, the spring is inserted between the first screwing indicator and the second screwing indicator and has an effect of returning the second screwing indicator such that the second screwing indicator abuts against the load, so that a coincidence between the first and second screwing indicator indicates a sufficient screwing of the device onto the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Pascal BOISSON, Patrice Raymond
  • Patent number: 8714897
    Abstract: A drop-in anchor includes a tubular sleeve having a first end and an expandable second end, the sleeve including one or more indicator surfaces offset from the first end along a sleeve axis of the sleeve. A plug is insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve, the second end expands and an installation tool interacts with the first end to provide a visual indication, due to contrast in appearance with the one or more indicator surfaces, of engagement of the drop-in anchor to a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: T. J. Bland, Robert La Barbera
  • Patent number: 8540468
    Abstract: The smart lid for smart bolts and probes is an electronic sensor for use with a smart bolt or probe having a color indicator for indicating tension. The smart lid includes a color sensor that provides electrical data corresponding to light received from the color indicator of the smart bolt or probe, a microcontroller that receives electrical data from the color sensor and converts that data to a digital form and compares the data against at least one limit, and provides a digital indication wirelessly to a remote monitor if the at least one limit has been exceeded. In this fashion a warning or emergency condition can be indicated when the tension experienced by the smart bolt is too low or too high. The smart lid may include an electrical power source that scavenges electrical power from ambient electromagnetic fields (EMF) and stores the electrical power in a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventors: Samir Mekid, Abdelhafid Bouhraoua, Uthman Baroudi
  • Patent number: 8398346
    Abstract: A drop-in anchor includes a tubular sleeve having a first end and an expandable second end, the sleeve having one or more raised surfaces at the first end. A plug is insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve the second end expands and an installation tool interacts with the one or more raised surfaces to provide a visual indication of engagement of the drop-in anchor to a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: T. J. Bland, Robert La Barbera
  • Publication number: 20130064622
    Abstract: The smart lid for smart bolts and probes is an electronic sensor for use with a smart bolt or probe having a color indicator for indicating tension. The smart lid includes a color sensor that provides electrical data corresponding to light received from the color indicator of the smart bolt or probe, a microcontroller that receives electrical data from the color sensor and converts that data to a digital form and compares the data against at least one limit, and provides a digital indication wirelessly to a remote monitor if the at least one limit has been exceeded. In this fashion a warning or emergency condition can be indicated when the tension experienced by the smart bolt is too low or too high. The smart lid may include an electrical power source that scavenges electrical power from ambient electromagnetic fields (EMF) and stores the electrical power in a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: SAMIR MEKID, ABDELHAFID BOUHRAOUA, UTHMAN BAROUDI
  • Patent number: 8382409
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer includes a first surface having a plurality bumps formed thereon; a second surface having a plurality of discrete indentations, each indentation formed opposite one of said protuberances; an indicating material positioned in at least one indentation, the indicating material including an indicating material having a first color and an indicating material having a second color; and a channel leading from the at least one indentation to an outer edge of said direct tension indicating washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Bolting Technology Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan Wayne Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110176885
    Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: TRACKERS COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen H. Albertson, John C. Gallagher, Vlasta A. Albertson
  • Patent number: 7958614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fasteners and more specifically to a fastener adapted to visually indicate tension, and method of making thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Charles H. Popenoe
  • Publication number: 20110123288
    Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer includes a first surface having a plurality bumps formed thereon; a second surface having a plurality of discrete indentations, each indentation formed opposite one of said protuberances; an indicating material positioned in at least one indentation, the indicating material including an indicating material having a first color and an indicating material having a second color; and a channel leading from the at least one indentation to an outer edge of said direct tension indicating washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Ivan Wayne Wallace
  • 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: 7665940
    Abstract: A fastener coupler includes a first securing member configured to receive and retain a first fastener within a first inner cavity, wherein at least one passage is formed through the first securing member, and a setting indication material within at least a portion of the first inner cavity. The setting indication material is configured to extrude through the first passage when the first fastener is urged into the setting indication material in order to indicate that the first fastener is properly secured to the first securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Nilsen, Michael E. Ward
  • Publication number: 20090245966
    Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen H. Albertson, John C. Gallagher, Vlasta A. Albertson
  • Publication number: 20090092457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fasteners and more specifically to a fastener adapted to visually indicate tension, and method of making thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Charles H. Popenoe
  • Publication number: 20080193249
    Abstract: A laminated nut with a visual indicator indicating if the nut is in a fully tightened state. The nut includes a plurality of conical disc springs enclosed in a cage. In one embodiment, a visual indicator extends axially from the upper surface of the outermost disc spring. In one embodiment, the visual indicator is retracted into the cage when the disc springs flatten as the nut is tightened. In one embodiment, the visual indicator aligns with a reference point on the cage when the nut is fully tightened. In one embodiment, the visual indicator is made more apparent by marking the visual indicator with a contrasting color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Ross S. Hill, Lawrence W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7021878
    Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Trackers Company
    Inventors: Stephen H. Albertson, John C. Gallagher, Vlasta A. Albertson
  • Patent number: 6916144
    Abstract: A wheel nut assembly for fixing a wheel to a vehicle hub. The wheel nut assembly has a wheel nut. The wheel nut has an internal thread. The wheel nut assembly further includes a wheel stud having an external thread adapted to co-operate with the internal thread of the wheel nut. The wheel stud further has an internal thread. A retaining member has an external thread of an opposite hand with respect to the internal thread of the wheel stud for cooperating with the internal thread of the wheel stud. A locking member is adapted to engage both the retaining member and the wheel nut to prevent relative movement there between and is further adapted to permit a location of the retaining member to be visually identified when the locking member is engaged to both the retaining member and the wheel nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Wheelsure Limited
    Inventor: Sydney John Lees
  • Patent number: 6840728
    Abstract: The present invention provides for fastener inserts and methods of manufacturing the same. The fastener inserts include selectively removable tangs which can be broken away more cleanly than with other commercially available fastener inserts. Further, the methods of manufacture offer a significant improvement in the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: William Giannakakos, John F. Carvalho, Roger Zitnay, J. Peter Ferreira
  • Publication number: 20040126201
    Abstract: Color-coded staples and a method of associating staples with electrical cabling is disclosed in which the staples are colored according to the gauge wire in the cables to be secured by the staples. The cables include electrically conductive wire of a particular gauge size. A color scheme is identified for the exterior of the cables in which one cable is colored to represent its associated gauge wire and another cable having a different gauge wire is colored a different color to represent its associated gauge wire. Preferably, there are at least two different staple sizes, each size has staples colored to match the different colored cables that can be secured by that size staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Kobylinski, Michael Masino, Richard Glesner, Jeffrey Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20040115022
    Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen H. Albertson, John C. Gallagher, Vlasta A. Albertson
  • Patent number: 6695558
    Abstract: Nails for use in construction have a length indication provided by numerical markings comprised of numerals formed by contouring on the nail head combined with a color coding as to nail length, by coloring recessed areas of the head to protect the coloring when the nail is being driven. The color coding and numeric length indication can be read either before or after the nail has been driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harutoshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 6609865
    Abstract: A color pressure-sensitive fastener capable of providing a visual indication of a pressure threshold applied to the fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a fastening portion which is actuated to fasten by way of application of a sufficient actuating pressure on an actuating surface of the fastening portion; and a pressure-sensitive substance associated with the actuating surface such that the actuating surface visibly changes color after the sufficient actuating pressure is applied to the actuating surface. This invention at least partially overcomes some of the disadvantages of typical fasteners, such as the lack of visual indication of proper installation of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Ipex Inc.
    Inventor: Louis E. Daigneault
  • Publication number: 20020187019
    Abstract: A method of indicating the gauge and length of a nail on the nail itself. Each nail is marked with a designated indicator preselected to indicate a specific gauge and shaft of a nail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald G. Campbell, Steve A. Macefe
  • 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: 6270302
    Abstract: A system to allow a visual determination of the rotational position of a rotatable object relative to a stationary object comprising a body defining front and back surfaces where the body includes at least one aperture having a diameter d1 disposed through the front and back surfaces, where the aperture is bounded by radial slots having a length l and extending outwardly from the aperture so as to define a plurality of fingers which may be independently manipulated so as to enable the body to be biased about a rotatable object inserted through the aperture and means co-operable with the body to allow a visual determination of the rotational position of the rotatable object relative to the stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Antony C. Lyons
  • Patent number: 6095739
    Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Stephen H. Albertson, John C. Gallagher, Vlasta A. Albertson
  • Patent number: 5934852
    Abstract: The invention is a connector that provides for visual recognition from remote locations and under poor visibility conditions. It may be a screw with a colored head. The screw, including the threaded shaft and the head, may be of steel, brass, plastic or any other acceptable material or combination of materials thereof. The entire or parts of the screw may be colored or plated with a colored layer or have a colored coating. Coating may include a layer of paint. For aquatic applications the paint layer is water resistant and chemical resistant and is of a color that is easily identifiable from a water surface. It may be a fluorescent paint coating. Any appropriate color or kind of paint may be used. Other coatings may be applied, such as ink coatings. The connector may have a colored cap connectable to the head of the connector. The cap may be attached following securement or may be positioned over the screw before securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: O.I.A. LLC
    Inventor: David A. Stingl
  • 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: 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: 5417529
    Abstract: There is disclosed an aerospace fastener system in which a threaded bolt fastener is secured with a free spinning threaded nut or collar and in which the engagement of the threaded members is fixedly secured by an adhesive. In this invention, the length of the bolt fastener is preselected such that when the fastener is applied in a maximum grip condition, the end of the bolt fastener does not project beyond the top surface of the nut or collar. In this invention, the bolt fastener can even be slightly shorter than the length necessary to reach the top surface of the nut or collar when the fastener still meets the tensile load requirement of the specific application. Preferably the adhesive also includes an ultra-violet light fluorescent pigment so that upon ultra-violet illumination, the correct application of the fastener can be easily observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: Josef F. Volkmann, Richard Ohlman
  • 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: 5114289
    Abstract: As used with a nut, a device for indicating tensile strength comprises an annular groove approximately 1/8 inch in depth on the bottom of the nut adjacent to a washer. The same groove may be fitted in a bolt if the device is used with a bolt. A vertical shaft of the same diameter as the groove is also located within the nut or bolt engaging member and connects at one end to the groove. The groove and vertical shaft contain a "filler" material. A washer having a boss or protrusion is utilized with the engaging member wherein the boss or protrusion fits into the said groove. Once the washer encounters friction, when the combination nut and washer is tightened about a threaded bolt, with the connecting elements, the protrusion inside the groove pushes the filler up the vertical shaft as the nut rotates over the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Bernardo Coiffman
  • Patent number: 5088867
    Abstract: A failure indicating device wherein a fluid is encased within a bore in a fastener. In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid is encased within a thin walled capsule which in turn is encapsulated within a bore in the fastener. Upon failure of the fastener, the encased fluid will leak out into the external surface and its detection will indicate that the fastener has failed. The stress which causes the fastener to fail will also assist the fluid to leak out onto its external surface. To facilitate the leakage of the fluid, one or more shallow and narrow groove(s) may be machined onto the external surface of the fastener so that the leaked fluid will travel along this groove(s) to the preferred external end of the fastener. This is desirable in cases where only one side of the joint is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Kam C. Mun
  • Patent number: 5076708
    Abstract: A threaded temperature indicating plug for hot oil containing housings such as vehicle transmissions and the like that can replace the standard oil level plugs of the same and as well afford a plug that from which the temperature at which the oil may have overheated will be recorded and whether there is a definite need to change the oil in the transmission. Liquid crystal areas are provided on an indicator label that is fixed to the plug bolt shank in a liquid-tight manner by a fixed covering and for direct contact with the oil body or a splash from oil at a lowered level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Mark W. Pierson
  • Patent number: 4904132
    Abstract: In an indicator for visually displaying extremely small displacements between two points within a structure, a change of color visible through an indicator window occurs during a preselected portion of a predetermined displacement within the structure. The color change occurs due to an increase in thickness of a light-absorbing fluid in the central area of a clear, flexible indicator means separating a colored portion from the indicator window. Substantially no light-absorbing fluid is permitted to enter the central area until a preselected displacement has occurred since the colored portion is firmly, resiliently biased against the indicator window until that amount of displacement has occurred. Thereafter, light-absorbing fluid is permitted to enter the central area. This device concentrates visual indications of displacements into limited segments of an overall displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Charles H. Popenoe
  • Patent number: 4793751
    Abstract: A connecting member comprises a rod-shaped body having a head and/or thread on the outer periphery for integrally connecting a plurality of members and a containing hole opened at one end thereof and extended longitudinally, a rod disposed in the hole so as to fix at its inner end to the inner end of the hole, a transmissive window fixed to the opening of the hole, and a fluid holding member holding a colored fluid and pressed by the open side end of the rod on the window. When a longitudinal strain developed in the body the rod release the holding member from under pressure so that colored fluid covers the open side end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirosato Takeuchi, Osahiko Miyazaki, Yasuo Kazama, Naoya Kurihara
  • Patent number: 4777901
    Abstract: A security device for preventing or indicating the tampering with a joint in a supply pipe, e.g. to a gas meter, comprises two or more members which fit together around the joint. The members have mutually interdigitating parts through which a blind bore is provided and which houses a glass phial containing a dye. Displacement of the members from the assembled configuration breaks the phial, thereby releasing the dye which stains the members so that the tampering is readily detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventors: Wayne M. Marsden, Warren L. Marsden
  • Patent number: 4771999
    Abstract: In a clamping apparatus, a pressing member is moved on a base in a vertical and horizontal directions by rotation of a bolt. The bolt is provided with a longitudinal hole open end of which is covered by a window. A rod is placed in the hole so as to fix the inner end thereof to the inner end of the hole. A transparent holding member holding a colored fluid is sandwiched by the open side end of the rod and the window. When a tension stress is developed in the bolt, the open side end is far away from the holding member so that fluid covers the open side end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirosato Takeuchi, Osahiko Miyazaki, Yasuo Kazama, Naoya Kurihara