Abstract: A tightening device includes: a sensor for detecting an elongation of a bolt; a socket for rotating the bolt; and a biasing member for biasing the sensor against a head of the bolt. The sensor and the socket are provided separately and independently of each other.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of mechanical testing devices, and provides a transverse load stepless amplitude modulation device of multiple bolt loosing tester. The transverse load stepless amplitude modulation device of multiple bolt loosing tester consists of four parts: a transverse load stepless amplitude modulation part, a transverse load transmission part, a torque load transmission part and an axial load transmission part. The transverse load stepless amplitude modulation device of multiple bolt loosing tester of the present invention provides stepless amplitude modulation continuous transverse loads for a flange bolt set and guarantees the accuracy of the transverse loads through a feedback control system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to instrumented fasteners and associated damage detection systems for detecting damage in an assembled structure secured together by at least one instrumented fastener. The instrumented fastener forms a transducer assembly for detecting damage in the assembled structure. The fastener can include a cavity disposed at one end of the fastener. The transducer assembly includes an electromechanical unit at least partially inserted into and mechanically coupled within the cavity of the fastener. The electromechanical unit can include a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A fastening system for securing and real-time monitoring of a bolted connection is described. An ultrasonic signal is used to measure time-of-flight in the bolt and calculate an effective length of the bolt. By comparing the calculated effective length against reference values, a loosened bolt may be detected, and a real-time decision can be made to initiate protective measures and/or make a report to a support system. The measuring subsystem can be configured to be electrically isolated, and the bolted connection may include a live electrical connection. The real-time monitoring can provide early warning of potential system failures across any system having bolted connections: this includes civil systems such as buildings and bridges, transportation devices such as trains and airplanes and automobiles, and power distribution systems.

Abstract: A Device for measuring a force applied by a fitting apparatus provided with a threaded rod having an external or internal thread, includes a hydraulic chamber containing a fluid; a piston configured to slide inside the hydraulic chamber; a threaded connector fixed to the piston, the threaded connector having a thread configured in such a way that the threaded rod screws onto the threaded connector, so that the threaded rod can impose an axial force on the piston resulting in travel of the piston in the hydraulic chamber; and a pressure gauge communicating with the hydraulic chamber, configured to measure a pressure inside the hydraulic chamber created by the axial force applied on the piston by the threaded rod.

Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for retrieving a bolt includes a guide including an opening that passes through the guide vertically, a first plate that includes a first end, a second plate that includes a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged facing each other so as to define an adjacent region, on an upper side of the opening. When the bolt is inserted from inside the opening toward the adjacent region, the first plate and the second plate abut against the bolt and pivot upwards, and the first end and the second end abut against a side surface of the bolt and grip the bolt.

Abstract: A screed assembly for an asphalt paving machine includes a lower screed plate, an upper screed plate and a heating element that is in contact with the lower screed plate. The screed assembly also includes a compression bolt assembly having a primary bolt, a compression bolt and a compression spring. The primary bolt has a through hole, and the compression bolt is adapted to be inserted through the hole of the primary bolt. The compression spring is adapted to be placed over the lower end of the primary bolt, so that the compression bolt assembly may cooperate with the upper screed plate to apply a compression force to the heating element on the lower screed plate.

Abstract: A wheel hub safety device is for a vehicle having a hub and a wheel. The hub having a plurality of opposing equiradially disposed wheel bolts. The wheel having a plurality of opposing equiradially disposed holes spaced for mating engagement with the wheel bolts on the hub. The wheel is configured for attachment to the hub through use of a plurality of lug nuts. The wheel hub safety device has a housing and a plurality of lug nut rotation detectors. The housing is for housing the plurality of lug nut rotation detectors, at least one sensor and a transmitter.

Abstract: A system for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member releasably connectable to the shaft and a press mechanism in fluid communication with a source of fluid and configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes a switch having a base and a piston in communication with the fluid such that an increase in a pressure of the fluid results in the piston extending upwardly from the base and a decrease in the pressure of the fluid results in the piston retracting toward the base. The switch includes a first lower proximity sensor and a second higher proximity sensor. The piston is configured to extend upwardly from the base past the first lower proximity sensor and to trip the second higher proximity sensor. The switch is configured to control the increase in the pressure in response to the piston tripping the higher proximity sensor.

Abstract: A plastic component, with fiber reinforcement, for use in a motor vehicle. The plastic component comprises a number of fiber layers connected to one another by injection of plastic and by a pressing force. The plastic component comprises at least two structural parts which overlap one another a pressing direction such that the die comprises at least one upper die portion formed with a pressing unit for applying a pressing force in the pressing direction, and at least one lower die portion which cooperates with the upper die portion to form a cavity in which the plastic component is formed. A die insert is fitted in the die and can move by and with the upper die portion and is designed to transmit the pressing force to the at least one structural part of the plastic component which is overlapped by the other structural part of the plastic component in the pressing direction.

Abstract: A fastener strain measurement system employs a probe incorporating a laser emitter to provide a laser beam and an acoustic detection device. A system controller is configured to detect an acoustic wave resulting from the ablation created by the laser beam and calculate fastener strain based on the detected acoustic wave.

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; an indicating material positioned in the indentation; and a channel formed in the second surface, the channel coupling the indentation to an outer edge of the body; wherein at least one of (i) a ratio of h/t is in a range of about 0.5 to about 0.8, (ii) a ratio of S/DW is in a range of about 0.2 to about 0.3 and (iii) a ratio of DSM/SSM is in a range of about 0.4 to about 0.6, is satisfied; wherein t is a thickness of the body, S is a length of the channel, h is a height of the protrusion, DW is a width of the indentation taken along a radius, DSM is an amount of indicating material that is emitted into the channel upon reaching a predetermined bolt tension and SSM is an amount of indicating material that remains in the indentation upon reaching a predetermined bolt tension.

Abstract: A generator stator core through-bolt tensioning device that automatically tightens the nut on the through-bolts that hold together and compress laminate plates of the stator core in a high voltage generator. A controller receives a signal from a measuring device, such as a fiber Bragg grating that measures the strain on the bolt, and based on that signal determines whether the nut needs to be tightened. If the controller determines that tightening is necessary, it will cause the tensioning device to automatically tighten the nut while the generator is in service, and use the measuring device to provide feedback of the tensioning of the through-bolt to know when to stop the device from tightening the nut.

Abstract: An electronic screw with an electronic torque display is disclosed. The screw includes a body and a torque sensing element. The body has a threading head, a shank connected to the threading head and a recess located on the side wall of the shank. The torque sensing element is disposed in the recess and detected the torque value of the electronic screw. The torque sensing element is electrically connected to the electronic torque display, wherein the electronic torque display displays the torque value that detected from the torque sensing element.

Abstract: A connection element consists of a longitudinally oriented support structure that is at least partially hollow and a sensor unit that is arranged in the inside of the support structure, is connected to a signal transmission device, and is non-positively connected to the support structure. The required force for the non-positive connection is produced by internal stresses after a plastic deformation of the support structure during a joining process of the support structure and the sensor unit. A method for manufacturing a connection element consisting of a support structure that is at least partially hollow and a sensor unit includes positioning the sensor unit in a region of the support structure and, using radially movable tool segments, exerting a force on the support structure in the radial direction and at the same time reducing the periphery of the support structure in the region in which the sensor unit is positioned.

Abstract: A self-drilling bolt and nut assembly includes a nut which has a window to permit visual inspection of the fastener thread upon engagement with the nut. The nut also includes a protective cap or receives a protective cap so that upon threadably engaging the fastener with the nut, the drill tip of the fastener is automatically received in the cap. The nut also has at one end a plurality of projections to enhance the locking engagement. The self-drilling bolt may have an integral washer and employ a clamping plate engageable against the washer.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a bearing assembly on a shaft includes an internal flange, external flange, and a sleeve. The internal flange is securable to the bearing assembly and has a displacement pin extending outward that defines an initial position of the bearing assembly relative to the shaft. The external flange is secured to the internal flange via fasteners passing through elongated holes. The external flange has an opening configured to receive the displacement pin. The external flange may be rotated when coupled to the internal flange with the fasteners between a first position where the external flange opening is not in register with the displacement pin and a second position where the external flange opening is in register with the displacement pin. A sleeve has a tapered outside diameter and is engageable with the external flange.

Abstract: An anti-tamper system including: a fixing device and an anti-tamper detection device; the fixing device comprising a body and a head whereby the head having a larger cross section then the body for enabling a tool to engage and drive the body into a first material layer thereby makes a firm connection with the anti-tamper detection device between the head and the first material layer; the fixing device further comprising a lock wherein the head is locked to the body by the lock where there is no external magnetic field and wherein the head becomes disengaged from the body when the lock is unlocked by an external magnetic field; and whereby the anti-tamper detection device detects and records a change the connection when the head becomes disengaged.

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.

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 self-tapping screw is disclosed. The screw includes a shaft which has a first end and an opposing second end with a load-engaging structure, and a thread that extends at least in sections over the length of the shaft. Several wear indicators are provided on the thread. Identifiers are provided on the screw for identifying the wear indicators.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for locking and flagging a wheel nut, the wheel nut being rotatable about a central axis to a secured position. The apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a toothed central bore therein sized to closely surround and engage a periphery of the wheel nut. The cylindrical body having a slot therein so as to permit the cylindrical body to be radially expandable. The apparatus further comprises a first extension extending perpendicularly from the body having an indicator thereon and a second extension extending perpendicularly from the body to an opposed side thereof. The second extension having a distal end adapted to overlap and engage with a first extension of an adjacent wheel nut cover so as to cover the indicator of the adjacent wheel nut cover when the wheel nut is in a secured position.

Abstract: This nut torque indicator cover includes a cover piece that is joined to an indicator piece. It is fastened to a nut/bolt assembly primarily by pressing it down onto and over the exposed threads of the bolt so that the indicator piece registers with the hex portion of the nut. A snap fit design is incorporated into the nut torque indicator cover such that the cover piece and indicator piece can rotate relative to each other. The cover piece fastens securely to the external threads of the bolt providing protection to the threads, while the indicator piece, secured by the hex flats of the nut, indicates the nut circumferential position, allowing an indication of any torque loss.

Abstract: A rotation indicator device comprises a body having a bore, whereby the body is adapted to be releasably mounted on a polygonal fastener or other multi-angled component in any selected position. At least part of the body which defines the bore is formed of a resilient material of suitable grip and flexibility characteristics, such as silicone rubber material, and the bore has an edge margin which is of a tapered profile in cross-section so that the body can be snugly mounted onto the fastener or other component without any relative rotation occurring between the device and the fastener or other component.

Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a pressure loaded piston drives the sleeve from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. The initial position is determined by monitoring the pressure applied to the piston. Once the initial position has been reached, a linear indicator is used to measure the axial sleeve movement from the initial position to a final position. The system remains in place after the bearing is installed on the shaft and facilitates removal of the bearing assembly from the shaft.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a bolt, the axial force of which can be measured by a supersonic wave, or the like, with high accuracy and which can be manufactured in a shortened process. A bolt 1 having an angular polygonal shaped bolt head 2 is provided in the present invention. A recess 4 is formed on the bolt head 2 and a projection 5 having a plane upper face 6 is formed on the inner side of the recess 4, and at the end of the bolt shaft 3, a plane end face 8 is formed, and a wall, the outside of which being a C-face part is formed around the plane end face 8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flight unit control system (S), comprising at least one instrumented fastening bolt (6) connecting an aircraft carrier structure (34) and a load path (36a, 36b), the instrumented bolt having at least one measurement area (61; 62) for detecting that the load path in under load. The system comprises fastening means (4, 11) capable of locking the instrumented bolt (6) in a position relative to the aircraft carrier structure (34) and to the load path (36). The or each measurement area (61; 62) of the instrumented bolt (6) comprises two cavities and at least one strain gauge.

Abstract: A lug stud and lug nut monitoring system, method, and components for a vehicle may have a lug stud, a lug nut, at least one sensor, and an indicator. The lug stud has a shank. The lug nut is constructed to fasten on the shank. The sensor can be carried by the lug stud, by the lug nut, or by both the lug stud and the lug nut. The sensor takes at least one measurement. The indicator communicates with the sensor in order to determine a value based on the measurement, and to alert an operator of the vehicle if and when the value reaches a predetermined relationship to a reference value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fasteners and more specifically to a fastener adapted to visually indicate tension, and method of making thereof.

Abstract: A multifunction wheel nut cap is used on motor vehicle to indicate loosening and rotation of a lug nut. On large trucks on which the lug nuts have to be frequently torqued to prevent the lug nut from loosening and turning until it drops from the wheel bolt, the indication of rotation and limiting of the rotation prevents the lug nut loss and requires tightening only when there is an indication that the lug has become loose. The Wheel cap nut device gives a visual warning when a nut has become loose. It also prevents water and contaminants from penetrating the lug nut and bolt threads.

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.

Abstract: A temporary fastener includes a grip length indicator. By machining a flattened area into a body of the temporary fastener, by engraving an scale into the flattened area, and by attaching an indicator dot visible in the groove to a moving part of an internal assembly of the temporary fastener, the grip length of the installed temporary fastener may be read directly on the scale while the temporary fastener applies a clamp-up force to a structure. By using the temporary fastener of the present invention, it is possible to determine a fastener hole length while a temporary fastener is installed. Using the method for determining a fastener grip length of the present invention enables the effective determination of the correct fastener grip length for each particular fastener hole of a large structure, such as an aircraft airframe.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of mounting a stress transducer to a fastener includes securing the transducer to a weld insert, and welding the insert to the fastener.

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.

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 screwing device with a function of twisting force measurement comprises: a screw unit having a head and a shank connected to the head; a twisting force measurement unit installed at the head and having a processor and displaying unit and a sensor for measuring a twisting force applied to the screw unit; the processor and displaying unit serving for calculating a value of the twisting force from the sensor and having a display screen. The sensor is installed at a lateral side of the head. The processor and displaying unit is installed at or is capable of being plug-in to a top of the head. Or the head has a recess at a top thereof and the sensor is installed at a lateral side of the recess; and the processor and displaying unit installed at or is capable of being plug-in to a lateral side of the head.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

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.

Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer including: a first surface having a discrete protuberance formed thereon; a second surface having a discrete indentation formed opposite the protuberances; and an indicating material positioned in the indentation, wherein the indicating material has a cured skin on an outside of the indicating material and a compressible, liquid core in an interior of the indicating material. When the bolt tension reaches a predetermined level, the liquid cores erupts through the cured skin causing a climactic and dramatic appearance of the indicating material about an edge of the washer.

Abstract: A system is provided for tightening fasteners. The system has a tightening tool configured to apply torque to a fastener. In addition, the system has a strain sensor configured to sense a parameter of the fastener indicative of an elongation of the fastener. Additionally, the system has a stress sensor configured to sense a parameter of the fastener indicative of magnitude of the applied torque.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fastening member comprising a threaded part (150) and a head (100) with which the threaded part can be turned in order to tighten the fastening member in a corresponding element. The head (100) is formed of a plate (110) in one piece with the threaded part (150) and a cap (120) covering said plate. The cap (120) comprises a recessed portion (121) in which an offset is provided to form a housing (128). The plate (110) comprises a guide finger (111) located inside the housing (128) to form a stop against which the cap presses in order to impart a rotational movement to the plate in the tightening direction. The cap (120) further comprises a remotely interrogatable electronic component (130) comprising a data storage means (132).

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

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 hydraulic tensioning system for nuts on studbolts has a puller bar and a puller buddy, which are coupled to the studbolt, and a bridge around the nut. The puller bar is internally coupled to the studbolt (and may engage the nut before the tension is applied). The nut can comprise a cone nut, which cooperates with a complementary collar or shell with a conical inner face and a spherical base washer.

Abstract: A hydraulic nut having a piston which is movable in a fluid chamber of a nut body and which has a radial protrusion from the piston and a displacement bar mounted on the protrusion. The displacement bar overlies the nut body and extends past the nut body by an amount equal to the distance through which the hydraulic nut is to move a bearing assembly along a tapered shaft or move an adapter sleeve, or removal sleeve with bearing assembly on them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a threaded bolt provided with measurement planes for use in ultrasonic length measurement. After the threaded bolt has been fixed in a connection, such measurement is performed to determine the length change of the threaded bolt, in order to find out the tension within the threaded bolt in that way.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking that has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. The marking may be realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening, knurling or coloring the surface. The groove defines an edge at a precise position that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body for initial pull-up. The marking may also be formed with a precise dimension such as an axial length to provide a second edge that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body beyond initial pull-up for fitting assemblies that are remade.

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.