Abstract: Deformable spacers and spacer assemblies absorb energy when flange bolts are subjected to compressive axial loads by plastically deforming, failing in shear, rupturing or in a combination of failure modes so the flange bolts and the flanges connected thereby are not damaged. One deformable spacer may have a hollow cylindrical body with a plurality of elongated slots there through. Another deformable spacer may have an annular stiffener extending inwardly from an inner surface of a hollow cylindrical body. A spacer assembly may include an inner cylindrical body, and outer cylindrical body, and an annular shoulder extending from one of the bodies and engaged by the other body shears when a shear failure load is applied to the flange bolt. Another spacer assembly may include an annular belt around a cylindrical body so that the belt will rupture before the cylindrical body plastically deforms.

Abstract: Frangible fasteners with flexible connectors for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative aircraft includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, a winglet carried by the wing portion, and a frangible fastener coupling the winglet portion to the wing portion. The frangible fastener can include an outer body with a first portion in contact with the wing portion, a second portion in contact with the winglet portion, and a frangible portion between the first and second portions. A flexible member is positioned at least partially within the outer body and is connected to the first portion so as to extend through and out of the second portion. A stop element is carried by the flexible member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly of a self-locking hex head screw and a self-locking hex nut that use parallel screw threads of one or various types that lock against each other upon applying a torque. The resulting counteracting torque forces provided by the screw thread types are further enhanced by applying a physical lock using press fit surfaces on the nut and finally when a snap ring is deployed to that prevent these threads from prying loose later on.

Abstract: An apparatus having a bottom assembly with a fitting for interfacing to connect the bottom assembly to a second structure, having an elastic element that, when sufficient force is applied via the process of mating the bottom assembly to the second structure, and at an appropriate pressure value, passes from a first stable position, through a threshold, and to a second position, creating a tactile or audible indication that the apparatus has been properly installed.

Abstract: An expansion bolt including an anchor bolt having an expansion section, and further including an expansion sleeve which surrounds the anchor bolt and which can be expanded by retracting the expansion section, and a spring element arranged on the anchor bolt. The spring element can be tensioned by inserting the anchor bolt into a bore hole and can retract the expansion section of the anchor bolt into the expansion sleeve when it is released. An indicator element indicates when a rated tension of the spring element is reached.

Abstract: A lug nut locking device, which provides a visual indication of loosening of one of a pair of adjacent nuts includes a locking strip for extending between the nuts, rings on the ends of the strip for mounting the strip on the nuts, teeth in the rings for resisting nut loosening; and a pair of flags with annular bodies for mounting on the nuts beneath the strip, the flag bodies having internal teeth for engaging the nuts, whereby rotation of one of the nuts causes corresponding rotation of its associated flag providing a visual indication that the nut is loosening.

Abstract: For indicating rotational displacement between an Allen bolt having a bolt head (34) provided with a central recess (36) for engagement by a fastening/unfastening tool, namely an Allen key, and a substrate to which the bolt is fastened, thereby to indicate whether the bolt has loosened, a safety indicating device is provided comprising a body (10) having a bore formed with splines (12) for engagement over the bolt head (34). The body (10) also has an end closure (14) formed with a plug (16) projecting inwardly of the bore for snug engagement into the central recess (36) of the bolt head. An indicator is also provided on the body (10). This is typically a pointer (18) mounted or formed on the body and projecting laterally, but it could be an indicator which is merely marked or formed on the body without projecting outwards.

Abstract: A screw has a head whose underside has impressions or embossings and faces towards the tip. The underside is divided into at least five sectors of the same size. Three-fifths of the sectors exhibit an identical pattern of impressions or embossings and at least one sector is provided with a different pattern of impressions or embossings or else with no impressions or embossings.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting relative movements in a component of a vehicle. The device includes an RFID transponder, which has a first part and a second part as well as a predetermined breaking point between the first part and the second part. The RFID transponder is attached such that relative movements and/or positional changes of this component lead to a fracture of the RFID transponder at the predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: In a lubrication structure of a differential gear unit, a case has a guide rib that extends over a certain area with respect to a rotation path of a head of a bolt when a ring gear rotates, and that protrudes out from the case toward the head of the bolt. Also, a through-hole that extends in a vertical direction is formed in an upper portion of a hollow supporting portion, and the guide rib has an oil reservoir that curves toward an upper end opening of the through-hole.

Abstract: A direct tension indicator (2), including a base element (11) and a cover element (13) that is arranged on the base element (11) and at least one indicator element (4) that is arranged between the base element (11) and the cover element (13) in order to display an axial force acting between the base element and the cover element. The indicator element (4) includes a dilatant material.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding bolt (10) for introducing into a bore, having an anchor rod (12), on which is disposed a sliding control element (14) with a through-opening (18), through which the anchor rod (12) extends, wherein the sliding control element (14) comprises a sliding body cage (16) having at least one recess (20) for receiving a sliding body (22) that is in contact with the lateral surface of the anchor rod (12), and having an anchor plate (24), which is intended to lie against a region surrounding the mouth of the bore once the sliding bolt (10) has been introduced into the bore. In contrast to conventional sliding bolts, the anchor plate (24) is in load-transferring connection with the sliding body cage (16), with the result that it is easily possible to provide a device that indicates a sliding path of the sliding bolt that is still available.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a driver socket is configured to provide a visual indicator on a portion of a locknut upon application of a predetermined torque to the driver socket relative to the locknut. The driver socket has a member which is positioned proximate to the first end, with a portion thereof protruding into an aperture of the driver socket. The member is configured to engage a drive configuration of a locknut in order to apply nut torque to the locknut upon rotation of the drive socket and to form a mark on the drive configuration of the locknut in order to provide a visual indicator on the locknut that the locknut has been subjected to the desired torque during initial assembly. The driver socket is preferably attached to a ratchet arm of a fastening tool which provides a mechanical advantage in applying the desired torque.

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: The invention relates to a connector component (1) with integrated ultrasonic sensor (5). The ultrasonic sensor (5) is used to determine the prestressing force or the stressing force of the connector component (1), wherein the ultrasonic sensor (5) has a layer construction (20) having an electrode layer (21), at least one mechanical protection layer (22) and at least one layer (23) composed of a material having piezoelectric properties. The at least one electrode layer (21), the at least one mechanical protection layer (22) and the at least one layer (23) composed of a material having piezoelectric properties are arranged in a manner applied by sputtering at a freely accessible end (25, 27) of the connector component (1).

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: 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: A wireless breakage indicator for a shear pin having an axial bore. The indicator (10) comprises a stem (20) having a head (22) and a foot (24) at opposite ends thereof; a sleeve (32) around a portion of the stem between a first (28) and second (30) axial positions, the stem (20) and sleeve (32) adapted to be broken by the shear pin (12) in the event of its breakage; a spring (26) compressed between the head (22) of the stem (20) and a first end (34) of the sleeve (32); the foot (24) of the stem (20) being retained to the second end (36) of the sleeve (32). The breakage of the stem (20) frees the head (22) to be displaced by the spring (26) and indicate breakage of the shear pin (12). The indication can be direct, by visual inspection of the displaced head, or indirect by the displacement of the head activating a transmitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding anchor bolt (10) for introduction into a bore. The sliding anchor bolt (10) has a anchor bolt rod (12), disposed on which is a sliding control element (14) having a through-opening (18), through which the anchor bolt rod (12) extends. The sliding control element (14) comprises a sliding body cage (16) having at least one recess (20) for receiving a sliding body (22) that is in contact with the lateral surface of the anchor bolt rod (12). For precise and repeatable setting of a predefined breakaway force, each recess (22) for receiving a sliding body (22) is disposed in the sliding body cage (22) tangentially relative to the lateral surface of the anchor bolt rod (12). Furthermore, the lateral enveloping surface of each recess (20) projects by a predefined dimension into the free cross section of the through-opening (18), and each sliding body (22) fills the cross section of the recess (20) associated with it.

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: 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 clamping device with overload protection and a process to connect both elements, which are to be connected, whereby the clamping device is fitted with an element to be connected first, an element to be connected second, which is connected to the first element, and a bracing bolt to connect.

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.

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

Abstract: A 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: 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: The fastener assembly comprises a torquing member and a clamping pressure member assembled together on a common axis. The torquing member has threads formed around the axis. An annular bearing surface extends around the axis on one end of the member. The clamping pressure member has an annular bearing surface formed around the axis on one end and an annular clamping surface extending around the axis on an opposite end. The annular bearing surface of the torquing member includes a first series of helically inclined surface segments extending about substantially the same axis as the threads and a second series of helically inclined surface segments extending about substantially the same axis as the threads but provided with a pitch substantially equal to or greater than that of the threads, with an opposite incline.

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

Abstract: A fastening element is adapted to cooperate with a tie member to exert a compressive force on first and second components. The fastening element has an inner portion (50) resiliently joined to an outer portion (52), such that when a tensile reaction force is applied to the tie member as a result of the compressive force, the reaction force causes the outer portion (52) to be displaced relative to the inner portion (50). The fastening element may further include a washer (56) rotatably attached to the outer portion (52) by a cage (54). An indicator element for use with such a fastening element is also provided, together with a method of securing a first component to a second component by means of such a fastening element.

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: A threaded bolt having a proximal head end and a distal insertion end, the proximal head end and the distal insertion end are each provided with a single, exposed radial measurement plane, the radial measurement plane at the distal insertion end is formed by a flat bottom of a recess at the distal insertion end, the recess is bounded by a circumferential wall which at a point of change transitions into the flank of the distal end via a buckle, and wherein the radial measurement planes are for use in ultrasonic length measurement for determining the tension in the threaded bolt after it has been used in a connection.

Abstract: In order to provide a visible indication of loosening of a nut or a bolt relative to another member to which it is threadably engaged, a rotation indicator assembly comprises a first element, which is permanently secured to the nut or bolt and a second element which is adapted to be releasably and non-rotatably mounted in or on the first element, e.g. by interengagement with teeth in any chosen rotational position, and incorporates means, such as pointer, for indicating its rotational position relative to a fixed reference. The first element may take the form of an insert, an integral formation, or an external fitment. The fixed reference may be provided by an independently mounted marker secured by the nut or bolt.

Abstract: An irrigation valve comprises a valve housing made from a valve body joined to a valve bonnet by a plurality of attachment screws. The valve body and valve bonnet have an alignment rib received in an alignment notch when the body and bonnet are joined together such that the holes that receive the attachment screws are automatically aligned with one another. The attachment screws have a smooth portion adjacent a threaded portion such that the smooth portion when visible signals to the user that the attachment screws are clear of the valve body but are still captured in the valve bonnet. The valve includes a solenoid that may be remotely actuated to open the valve. An L-shaped actuator arm is also operatively connected to the solenoid for manually opening the valve with the upper portion of the actuator arm being closer to the user than in previous valves and thus easier to grip and turn.

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: A cable bolt (10) for use in mining excavations comprising a plurality of generally closely spaced wires or strands (11) which have a first end for fitting into a bore hole (21) formed in an excavation and a second end which is terminated within a cylindrical sleeve (17). The sleeve (17) has a threaded external surface for receiving a lock nut (18) which is tightened against a bearing plate (19) so as to tension the cable bolt (10). The wires or strands (11) are separated outwardly from a central longitudinal axis of the cable bolt (10) at spaced locations along the length of the cable bolt to form a “bird cage” (13) at each location. Spacers (14) are provided at each location to cause the outward separation of the wires or strands (11). A central tubular member (12) extends along the axis through the sleeve (17) and each spacer (14).

Abstract: A torque lock/indicator including an upper member, and lower member and a compression ring disposed between the upper and lower members. The upper member has at least one extension with an angled contact surface and a locking surface proximate the locking surface. The lower member has an angled, substantially peripheral contact surface and a locking surface proximate the contact surface. An optional cap is provided which is secured to the upper member or the lower member by being interlocked or cemented thereto.

Abstract: A tension indicator for use with a fastener that is formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein provides readily discernible visual indication of tension or loss of tension in the fastener joint. The indicator includes a body configured for receipt over the stack of conical washers. The body can include at least one stanchion extending inwardly of the body from the interior surface to define a stanchion end longitudinally spaced from the body end. At least one detent extends inwardly of the body and is longitudinally spaced from the body end. When the stack of conical washers is placed under tension with the uppermost washer in a planar condition, the stanchion lies adjacent the uppermost washer at the interior region.

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.

Abstract: A tensionable mine roof cable bolt having a resin grouted upper portion and a mechanical anchor. The cable bolt is rotated during installation in a mine roof bore hole to mix resin and engage the mechanical anchor with the rock. A drivehead press fitted onto the lower end of the cable may be stripped off the bolt upon tensioning of the bolt to a predetermined load.

Abstract: The present invention provides several embodiments of tension-indicating fasteners that include tension indicators having indicating arms equipped with a laterally-extending contact member or a foot portion. A contact member extends in a tangential direction from the fastener head. The indicating arm is secured to the fastener and, by having laterally-distant contact points, the deflection of a substrate caused by the fastener head causes a distal end of the indicating arm to move with amplified magnitude. In still other embodiments of the invention, a fastener includes tension indicia for indicating a target degree of substrate deflection. The tension indicator may be disposed within a recess in the fastener head to allow the use of conventional tightening tools.

Abstract: A tensionable mine roof cable bolt having a resin grouted upper portion and a mechanically anchored lower portion. The lower portion includes a shaft which is swaged to the cable and accepts a mechanical anchor. The cable bolt is rotated during installation in a mine roof bore hole to mix resin and simultaneously engage the mechanical anchor with the rock. A drivehead press fitted onto the lower end of the cable fails upon tensioning of the bolt to a predetermined load.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting a fatigue fracture caused by overstressing of a bolted connection including a bolt and an internal-thread-bearing hollow section which is alternately stressed by an axial flux of force between zero and different maximal values. A transverse crack forms at a predetermined breaking point of the bolted connection, at which the hollow section breaks due to fatigue. The spacing of the predetermined breaking point from the connection ends, and the interaction of the bolt and the hollow section, are designed such that, after the breakage, the bolt forms in the hollow section a residual joining connection which can be alternatingly stressed. In order to signal the occurrence of a crack on the hollow section of the bolted connection in the event of a fracture caused by fatigue in a simple and always noticeable manner, the arrangement has an additional signaling device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mining support for supporting rock within a mine. The mining support is constructed of a cable and means for mixing resin in a resin cartridge as the cable is inserted into a bore hole drilled in the rock which the resin cartridge is disposed. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing means is comprised of a helical mixing strand which is fixedly attached to one end of the cable. The mining support can include a drive ferrule, swaged onto the cable, for driving the end of the cable into the bore hole. In a preferred embodiment, the drive ferrule is threaded and there is included a hex nut washer and contact plate for tensioning the cable after the resin has set. The present invention also pertains to a drive tool for driving a metal cable having drive ferrules disposed in proximity to either end of the cable into a bore hole containing a resin cartridge.

Abstract: A fastener and method of manufacturing a threaded fastener with a tool-receiving recess in the fastener head are provided including a gauging indicator for indicating whether the recess is properly formed to meet standards. The gauging indicator is preferably in the form of a protrusion of a predetermined size on the fastener head which changes when the punch forming the recess becomes worn or broken. In this instance, the protrusion will be reduced in size as the material of the protrusion is displaced into the fastener head and other material of the fastener head is pushed into the areas of wear or breakage on the punch. Accordingly, the size of the gauging indicator provides an indication of whether the recess is meeting standards.

Abstract: A mine roof support system which includes a steel anchor rod and a threaded fastener. The rod has a threaded end portion, and which is adapted for positioning in a bore hole so that the threaded end portion projects outwardly from a rock face. The threaded fastener includes a body having a pair of opposing end portions and a bore which extends along its central axis. Internal threads complimentary to those on the rod are formed along part of the axial length of the bore, whereby the relative rotation of the fastener and rod moves the rod axially through the bore. A cap member is detachably coupled to one end portion of the fastener covering part of the bore. When coupled, the cap member acts as a positive stop which limits relative movement of the rod axially through the fastener bore, and which when detached allows the fastener to run freely along the threaded portion of the rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element with a torque-limiting function, comprising on the one hand a fastening member (2, 2') with working threads (4), that is to say threads which are active for the fastening function of the element, and on the other hand a gripping member (3, 3') which is arranged so as to be capable of being turned with the aid of a spanner, wrench, screwdriver or other tool for attaching the fastening element (1, 1') and connected or connectable to the fastening member (2, 2') via a torque-transmitting threaded connection (5, 6/17, 18) with sufficient strength in order to be capable of transmitting to the fastening member torque of the size for which the fastening element is intended, and in which the gripping member is arranged to be unscrewed and turned relative to the fastening member, on attachment of the fastening element, only when the torque exceeds a given predetermined torque.

Abstract: A rock anchor includes an elongate element. A transverse dimension of a portion of the elongate element is enlarged. The transverse dimension is reducible on the application of a suitable force applied to the enlarged portion. The invention extends to a tensioning device for use with the rock anchor and to a yielding anchor assembly which includes the rock anchor and the tensioning device.

Abstract: An annular fluid type pusher for tightening a part on a shaft comprises, a body mounted on the shaft, a pushing piece for pushing the part with a fluid pressure, a sealed fluid path formed annular in the body for sealingly containing a fluid and slidably holding said pushing piece in part, a fluid pressure adjusting section for adjusting the fluid pressure, an indicator cylinder chamber communicated with the sealed fluid path, an indicator piston slidably provided in the cylinder chamber, a spring to urge the piston against the fluid pressure, and a thrust indicating bar. Thrust graduation lines have been marked on the thrust indicating bar. And one end portion of the thrust indicating bar is connected to the piston, and the other end portion is provided in such a manner as to be protruded in association with the movement of the piston which is slidably moved in proportion of the fluid pressure.