Threaded Fastener Stress Patents (Class 73/761)
  • Patent number: 9978190
    Abstract: A wheel nut or axle nut for vehicles, having a body, having a central threaded hole, having a peripheral wall, having an abutment face at a lower side, wherein the nut also has a plurality of wrench faces on the peripheral wall of the nut body for tightening or releasing the nut by a tool which cooperates with the wrench faces. In the body at least one recess is provided in which a sensor element is arranged, wherein the sensor element is connected to a wireless interface which is configured to transmit a sensor signal of the sensor element wirelessly to an external reception unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Maxion Wheels Germany Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Lopes, Paulo Eduardo Barreto Paraizo
  • Patent number: 9915574
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a preload of a fastener. The method, which may be practiced at least in part by the apparatus, includes establishing an initial value associated with an absence of the preload of the fastener and providing an adapter and a transducer rotatably coupled to the adapter. The transducer may be positioned in contact with the fastener. The transducer is caused to direct an incident ultrasonic wave to the fastener and to receive a reflected ultrasonic wave from the fastener. Data associated with the incident ultrasonic wave and the reflected sonic wave is used to generate a modified value associated with the preload of the fastener, and the preload of the fastener is calculated based on a difference between the initial value and the modified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Nancy Jane George
  • Patent number: 9778118
    Abstract: A bolt sensor assembly provides a body adapted for insertion into a hole in a component, the body having a first end and a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The first end includes an attachment means for attachment of the bolt sensor assembly to the component, and the second end mounts a sensor element, such as a strain gauge element. The sensor element is movable with respect to the body in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the body and the sensor element is constrained against rotation about the longitudinal axis with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Andrew Campbell
  • Patent number: 9708165
    Abstract: A system includes: a detection means that detecting the weight of the load that is being manipulated is integrated into a load-sensitive guide pin that forms part of the axle bearing and that can output a signal that is proportional to the effect that is caused by the load, a power source to provide driving power for the load-sensitive guide pin, a sensor cable for the transfer of a driving voltage from the power source to the load-sensitive guide pin, a calculation means that is in signal-transfer connection with the load-sensitive guide pin in order to calculate the weight of the load that corresponds to the signal from the load-sensitive guide pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Forest AB
    Inventor: Karl Öberg
  • Patent number: 9696224
    Abstract: A torque detection device includes a base with a first support portion and a second support portion, two first rails connected to the first support portion and two second rails movably connected to the two first rails. A movable part is connected to the two second rails and has two rods. A chuck unit is connected to the movable part. A torque device is connected to the first support portion and has a receiving member. A first part has a first engaging portion on the first end thereof, and which is engaged with the receiving member. The first part has a second engaging portion on the other end thereof. An axial force detector is connected to the second support portion and has a reception member, and the two rods contact the reception member. The axial force detector detects the axial force that the two rods apply to the movable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chung-Yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 9593926
    Abstract: A thread gauge inspection apparatus includes a receiving member to hold a reference thread gauge and a motor to bi-directionally rotate the reference thread gauge. A counter counts a number of turns the reference thread gauge is rotated by the motor, and a torque monitoring device monitors the torque produced by the motor as the reference thread gauge is rotated. A controller, when the monitored torque exceeds a predetermined value, causes the motor to stop rotating the reference thread gauge and causes the counter to stop counting the number of turns the reference thread gauge is rotated. The controller compares the count produced by the counter with an inputted specific turn count and indicates the thread quality of threaded hole or a threaded stud passed inspection when the count produced by the counter is equal to the inputted specific turn count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Jonathan DeYaeger
  • Patent number: 9524634
    Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J Tillotson, Bradley J Mitchell, Peter E Herley, Brenda K Carlson, Kevin Y Ung, Tamaira E Ross, Steven C Venema, James T Farricker, Daniel A Hendricks, Richard R Rocks, Charles B Spinelli, David B Blackwell
  • Patent number: 9523631
    Abstract: A load detecting device that can highly accurately detect the magnitude and direction of a load whose direction of action changes regardless of the dimension of a pin is provided. Also, a working machine that is provided with this load detecting device and allows work to be performed safely and highly efficiently is provided. The load detecting device is configured with a pin-type load cell 4 and a load calculating unit 30. The pin-type load cell 4 is provided with three pairs of or three strain detecting units that are placed in the circumferential direction of the pin body 1. The load calculating unit 30 selects, from among the three or more pairs of or three or more strain detecting units, two pairs of or two strain detecting units that are less influenced by a change in the cross-sectional shape of the pin body 1, and calculates a load that acts on the pin body 1 according to an output of these selected strain detecting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mariko Mizuochi, Akinori Ishii
  • Patent number: 9483674
    Abstract: The present invention provides an RFID-based torque sensor that can be used to quickly monitor off the shelf fasteners including fasteners that are used in expensive satellites or other uses where fastener failure can be very costly. In one embodiment, an antenna, RFID ring and spring comprise a sensor tag that can be interrogated with an interrogation signal produced by an interrogator device. When sufficient torque is applied to the fastener, an RFID circuit is connected, and produces a radio frequency (RF) signal that can be read by the interrogator. In one embodiment, the RFID circuit does not transmit when the spring member is not compressed, thereby indicating insufficient tensioning of the fastener. The present invention offers the ability to remotely, quickly, and inexpensively verify that any number of fasteners are torqued properly upon initial installation. Where applicable, the present invention allows low cost monitoring over the life of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Phong H. Ngo, Timothy F. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9417169
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement, for example, on an anchor bolt, including at least one sensor (10). At least one bypass element (20) with a dilatant material is arranged in the area of the sensor (10), whereby impact forces that act upon the sensor (10) can be dissipated via the dilatant material of the bypass element (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Eckstein, Mathias Goldt, Marc Schaeffer, Joerg Appl, Arjen Detmer Dijkhuis, Matthias Paetow
  • Patent number: 9410860
    Abstract: A washer assembly is for use with a fastener. The washer assembly includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and an insulating portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion. The first conductive portion, the second conductive portion, and the insulating portion form a variable capacitor having a capacitance based on an amount of force applied thereto by the fastener. A wireless transponder unit includes a control unit electrically connected to the variable capacitor and an antenna electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to sense the capacitance of the variable capacitor, to generate information representing the capacitance, and to output the information to a wireless reader unit via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: John J. Shea
  • Patent number: 9360397
    Abstract: An anchor testing device is configured to operate with a load cell sensor and is designed to apply a force through a load cell sensor to an anchor it is testing. The anchor testing device can comprise a top support having a generally centrally located sensor attachment location and three stanchions with each stanchion suspending from a top support and being spaced from the adjacent stanchions. The stanchions can be configured in a generally triangular shape. The device can further comprise a bottom support operatively attached to each stanchion wherein the bottom support and top supports are positioned to maintain the spacing between adjacent stanchions. The device can comprise a load cell sensor support that is positioned below the top support and is operatively attached to the top support or the bottom support. The load cell sensor support is shaped and positioned to engage the load cell sensor and restrict movement of the load cell sensor when the load cell sensor is used with the anchor testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: William H Melton
  • Patent number: 9296095
    Abstract: A rotary tool is provided with a mode selecting part that selects one operating mode from a predetermined plurality of operating modes when a mode switching button is pressed. The plurality of operating modes include: a first auto stop mode where a motor rotates only for a first time period after an impacting operation is detected; and a second auto stop mode where the motor rotates only for a second time period which is shorter than the first time period after the impacting operation is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motoki Yoshino, Yasuyuki Uchiyama, Kenichi Arai, Kazuya Sakamaki
  • Patent number: 9243729
    Abstract: A method is shown by which threaded pipe sections are connected to form a tubular joint having proper sealing positioning at proper make-up torque. A make-up stencil plate is manufactured for each specific size of pipe to be coupled at the specific taper and make-up loss of a given connection with very tight tolerance. The plate is placed on the pin pipe end of the connection. A dial indicator is placed on the outer surface of the pipe pin end with the indicator flush with the end of the stencil plate. Once the indicator is set to zero, the stencil plate is removed. Then a bucking unit or power tong is applied to the coupling. When the face of the coupling hits the tip of the indicator and the indicator is within the given tolerance, the operator stops the make-up process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hunting Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: German Jose Rivero, Thomas E. Dunn, Jr., Claudie Wayne Parker
  • Patent number: 9127998
    Abstract: A synthetic phased array surface acoustic wave sensor to quantify bolt tension and a method for determining or estimating the tension in bolts using surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The tension is determined or estimated by using the reflection of SAWs created by the bolt head interference with the underlying surface. Increments in the bolt tension raise the points of interaction between the waves and the bolt head (real area of contact), and hence the position of the reflective boundaries. The variations are estimated using known techniques (e.g., linear synthetic array imaging technique). A singular transducer is actuated from predefined positions to produce an array of signals that are subsequently arranged and added to construct an acoustic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Rasim Oytun Guldiken, Jairo Andres Martinez Garcia
  • Patent number: 9108724
    Abstract: An adjustment system of an aeroplane, having: at least one adjustable flap on each of the wing of an aeroplane, adjustable with an adjustment device, a drive device for purposes of driving the adjustment devices, and a load sensor for purposes of recording the load occurring in the load path between the actuator and the adjustable flap of the respective adjustment device. The load sensor is embodied as a sensor for purposes of measuring the longitudinal force occurring in a drive rod along its longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Rechsiek, Wilfried Ellmers, Christoph Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20150082896
    Abstract: An axial force testing device includes a spindle and a frame. Multiple mediate members are mounted to the spindle which is rotatable relative to the frame by the mediate members. A first fixing member is connected to a first end of a scale which shows the axial force. A first contact member contacts the first fixing member and is mounted to the spindle. A second fixing member is connected to a second end of the scale. A second contact member contacts the second fixing member and is mounted to the spindle. The second contact member has a first contact portion which contacts the mediate members. A locking member is locked to the spindle and presses the first contact member, the first fixing member, the scale, the second fixing member, the second contact member and the mediate members. The axial force applied to the mediate members is displayed on the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Wu, Yu-Chieh Wu
  • Publication number: 20140373636
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensing screw capable of providing synchronous both pre-drawing of fiber Bragg grating and pre-tightening of bolt with induced characteristics to detect feedback control of large scale public engineering structures or precise equipments to facilitate fabrication of precise elements to achieve more precise control and record fabrication processes. Through the sensing screw apparatus a precision system structure can be formed to meet expectation of improved product quality and comprehensive recording of complete production process and physical characteristics at important points of the production process. The invention can provide instant onsite status and accumulate data or make parameter pre-action to avoid error accumulation, thereby improve production yield or safety of large scale structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicants: JINN HER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Chu Yang
  • Patent number: 8910526
    Abstract: A device and method for indicating if a fastening element upon fastening to a piece has reached a tensile yield limit load. The fastening element includes a threaded shaft having a magnetostrictive material. The device includes a mechanism for generating an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the shaft, a mechanism for measuring a physical quantity that depends on the momentary magnetic susceptibility of the shaft and a control unit adapted to detect a significant change of the physical quantity and determine and indicate if the shaft of the fastening element has reached the tensile yield limit load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rocan System AB
    Inventors: Rolf Carlsson, Christer Johansson, Fredrik Ahrentorp, Christian Jonasson, Jakob Blomgren
  • Patent number: 8893557
    Abstract: The fastener tension monitoring system provides for automatic notification when a structural tensile fastener, such as a bolt, is loosened. The system incorporates piezoelectric material in the core of the fastener shank or deposited around the shank. The piezoelectric material communicates electrically with an electrical storage device, a microprocessor, and a transmitter installed on the fastener head. Vibration or other changes in the tensile force developed by the fastener result in electrical impulses being generated by the piezoelectric material, generating electrical energy that is stored in the storage device and used to operate the microprocessor. In the event that an out of tolerance condition is sensed by the microprocessor, the transmitter is activated to send a signal to that effect. A receiver and computer are provided to monitor any such signals. The piezoelectric material may include pyroelectric material as well for the generation of electrical energy due to temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventors: Samir Mekid, Uthman Baroudi
  • Publication number: 20140338461
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Fernando E. HERNANDEZ
  • Patent number: 8844364
    Abstract: A management torque value smaller than a specified torque value is defined beforehand, and a screw ring-form, plug management gauge (11), which is capable of being screwed with plug (3), is prepared. Gauge (11) is provided with marked lines (14a, 14b) showing upper and lower limit positions of tolerance of the orientation of ground electrode (33) when plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other. When plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other and tightened at the management torque value, suitability of the phase position in the rotational direction is evaluated and managed by whether or not ground electrode (33) of plug (3) is in a range of marked lines (14a, 14b) showing the upper and lower limit positions of the tolerance. With this, it becomes possible to conduct a phase management with consideration of the crushing deformation characteristics of the gasket even with a torque lower than the specified tightening torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatsugu Takahashi, Shinichi Okamoto, Hitoshi Oohashi
  • Publication number: 20140283617
    Abstract: A threaded member has an axial direction. A thread is formed on the threaded member in the axial direction. At least one receiving recess is formed on a circumferential surface of the thread of the threaded member. At least one sensor member is disposed in the receiving recess for detecting tension applied to the threaded member in the axial direction. When a tightened article is tightened by the threaded member, an extension force/tension is applied to the threaded member in the axial direction. The sensor member is positioned in adjacency to the thread of the threaded member so that the sensor member can precisely detect the extension extent of the threaded member for precisely obtaining the tightening force applied to the threaded member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20140260652
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8820172
    Abstract: A flight unit control system having at least one instrumented fastening bolt connecting an aircraft carrier structure and a load path, the instrumented bolt having at least one measurement area for detecting that the load path is under load and including a fastener for locking the instrumented bolt in a position relative to the aircraft carrier structure and load path and wherein the measurement area has two cavities and at least one strain gauge and wherein the fastener includes a plate which is positioned at a threaded end of the instrumented bolt which bears against one of the aircraft carrier structure and the load path and which extends perpendicularly to an axis of the bolt and a nut which is placed at the threaded end of the instrumented bolt to immobilize the instrumented bolt relative to the aircraft structure or the load path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: SKF Aerospace France
    Inventors: Franck Bouillot, Cédric Milord
  • Patent number: 8810370
    Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J Tillotson, Bradley J Mitchell, Peter E Herley, Brenda K Carlson, Kevin Y Ung, Tamaira E Ross, Steven C Venema, Kristina A Chinn, James T Farricker, Daniel A Hendricks, Richard R Rocks, Charles B Spinelli, David B Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8800381
    Abstract: An apparatus 1 for evaluating the performance of a threaded joint for oil country tubular goods using a first steel pipe P1 and a second steel pipe P2 has a base 2 which holds a first steel pipe P1 in an upright position with an upper end of the first steel pipe P1 extending above the base and the remainder partly disposed under ground. A support member 3 mounted on the base 2 extends alongside the first steel pipe P1. A second steel pipe P2 is suspended above the first steel pipe P1 by a suspending mechanism 4. A threaded joint can be connected and disconnected by first and second tongs 5 and 6 which rotate the second steel pipe P2 with respect to the first steel pipe P1. A stabilizer 7 mounted on the support member 3 can limit the radius of gyration of the second steel pipe P2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Chiaki Akamatsu, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Shigeo Nagasaku
  • Patent number: 8800380
    Abstract: A tension monitoring assembly or device permanently installed between a connection or anchor point and a guy cable line or structural rod allows constant monitoring and increase confidence that the guy cable or structural tension rod remains tensioned to the proper value. The device includes a plurality of compression members and a connecting member that are arranged between connection points such that the tension between a first connecting point and a second connection point may be set to a selected value. The tension on the device is determined by the distance between two members of the device such that a change in the tension from a set amount will result in a change of the distance between the two members. This change in distance can be determined by indicia that are visible as the two members move with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Tomcat USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry William Todd, IV
  • Publication number: 20140190267
    Abstract: The fastener tension monitoring system provides for automatic notification when a structural tensile fastener, such as a bolt, is loosened. The system incorporates piezoelectric material in the core of the fastener shank or deposited around the shank. The piezoelectric material communicates electrically with an electrical storage device, a microprocessor, and a transmitter installed on the fastener head. Vibration or other changes in the tensile force developed by the fastener result in electrical impulses being generated by the piezoelectric material, generating electrical energy that is stored in the storage device and used to operate the microprocessor. In the event that an out of tolerance condition is sensed by the microprocessor, the transmitter is activated to send a signal to that effect. A receiver and computer are provided to monitor any such signals. The piezoelectric material may include pyroelectric material as well for the generation of electrical energy due to temperature changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: SAMIR MEKID, UTHMAN BAROUDI
  • Patent number: 8763469
    Abstract: A wind turbine is proposed which has a plurality of construction sections each having at least one connection region for connecting at least two construction sections to one another, a plurality of fasteners to fasten at least two connection regions of two construction sections to one another, and an identifier for each fastener to distinguish it from other fasteners. A testing device to test the fasteners of a construction section of a wind turbine having a tool section for tightening and/or retightening the fasteners to obtain a desired tightness and/or to test the fasteners with regard to tightness, and a detection unit for detecting an identifier of each fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Aloys Wobben
    Inventors: Frank Knoop, Tina Maria Trauernicht, Marie Annette Trauernicht, Anna Marie Trauernicht
  • Patent number: 8726743
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular includes: engaging threads of the tubulars; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular, thereby making up the threaded connection. The method further includes, during makeup of the threaded connection: detecting a shoulder position; and after detection of the shoulder position, monitoring for potential yielding of the threaded connection. The method further includes terminating the makeup according to: a first criterion in response to detection of the potential yielding; or a second criterion in response to absence of the potential yielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Ruehmann, Graham Myles Ruark
  • Patent number: 8695432
    Abstract: A screw with a stress sensing device is disclosed. The screw includes a main body, a coaxial member and a stress sensing member. The main body has a hollow threaded hole along its axle center, and the coaxial member is applied to be screw into the threaded hole. The coaxial member includes an elongated body and two threaded parts disposed on both ends of the elongated body. The two threaded parts are applied to engage with and screwed in the threaded hole, and thus the stress applied on the main body can also be applied on the elongated body. One of the two threaded parts has a groove. The stress sensing member is arranged on the elongated body, and the signal sensed by the stress sensing member can be obtained via a wire passing through the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kabo Tool Company
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8683869
    Abstract: The health of a structural joint clamped by fasteners is monitored by directly measuring the preload of the fasteners. The preload is measured by a transducer on the fastener and electronically transmitted to a monitoring station where the preload values may be analyzed to assess the health of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter E. Herley, Bruce W. Blayden, Thomas J. Lowe
  • Patent number: 8671761
    Abstract: A method of assessing bolted joint integrity. A guided wave is sent through a structure containing at least one bolted joint. The guided wave that is subsequently propagated through the structure and interacted with the bolted joint is measured to obtain a measured result. At least one parameter of the guided wave after its travel through the structure, and after having been affected by a nonlinear acoustic behavior of the bolted joint, is analyzed. Either at least one guided wave parameter is compared to a wave propagation pattern of the bolted joint at a correct torque level, or variation of at least one guided wave parameter is compared, to determine changes in wave propagation time and/or wave propagation shape. An incorrect torque level of the bolted joint is inferred from any changes that are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: New Mexico Technical Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrei Zagrai, Derek Doyle
  • Publication number: 20140069201
    Abstract: A management torque value smaller than a specified torque value is defined beforehand, and a screw ring-form, plug management gauge (11), which is capable of being screwed with plug (3), is prepared. Gauge (11) is provided with marked lines (14a, 14b) showing upper and lower limit positions of tolerance of the orientation of ground electrode (33) when plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other. When plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other and tightened at the management torque value, suitability of the phase position in the rotational direction is evaluated and managed by whether or not ground electrode (33) of plug (3) is in a range of marked lines (14a, 14b) showing the upper and lower limit positions of the tolerance. With this, it becomes possible to conduct a phase management with consideration of the crushing deformation characteristics of the gasket even with a torque lower than the specified tightening torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Masatsugu Takahashi, Shinichi Okamoto, Hitoshi Oohashi
  • Patent number: 8646162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8643248
    Abstract: An electrical machine configured to operate in a power range of several MVA includes a rotor configured to rotate about an axis. The rotor includes a rotor winding disposed in a rotor lamination stack and having an exposed winding head outside of the rotor lamination stack. The winding head includes a winding head retention system having a plurality of radially oriented retention elements each including a locking device configured to secure a respective one of the retention elements against at least one of an unintentional loosening and a flying away in an event of a breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Renewable Technologies
    Inventors: Alexander Schwery, Serdar Cifyildiz, Matthias Schmid
  • Patent number: 8606542
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and documenting the installation of at least one rock reinforcement bolt in a tunnel or a mine, wherein bolt installation related information is stored and related to the identity of the bolt is distinguished by means (S1, S2, S3, 4) for registering of at least one bolt installation related parameter and means for storing the corresponding installation parameter data in a related memory (M), and means (S4, 4) for registering the installation position and means for storing the corresponding installation position data in a related memory (M). The invention also concerns a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Öberg
  • Patent number: 8596134
    Abstract: The bolt tension monitoring system provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system includes a housing adapted for being retained on a head of a bolt to be monitored. The system further includes a force transducer positioned between the head of the bolt and a surface in which the bolt is fastened and measures tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface. A controller circuit within the housing calculates the difference between currently measured tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface and an initially measured tension. A wireless transponder mounted in the housing transmits an alert signal if the calculated difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventors: Samir Mekid, Abdelhafid Bouhraoua
  • Patent number: 8584957
    Abstract: An intelligent fastener having a head and an externally threaded shank for threaded engagement with a structural member. The head has a recess formed in the top surface for mounting an RFID tag with a memory containing information specific to the fastener—such as fastener identification, specified torque value and other information—an antenna for enabling bidirectional communication with an RFID tag reader, and a torque value sensor for determining the torque applied to the fastener by a fastener installation tool. Once installed, the existing torque on a collection of fasteners is measured by using an RFID tag reader to scan the information stored in the memory of each fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Microe Corp.
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Publication number: 20130298687
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement, for example, on an anchor bolt, including at least one sensor (10). At least one bypass element (20) with a dilatant material is arranged in the area of the sensor (10), whereby impact forces that act upon the sensor (10) can be dissipated via the dilatant material of the bypass element (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Eckstein, Mathias Goldt, Marc Schaeffer, Jourg Appl, Arjen Detmer Dijkhuis, Matthias Paetow
  • Patent number: 8578793
    Abstract: A screw fastener testing method for verifying the status of a previously tightened screw fastener with respect to installed torque and actual torque growth per angle of rotation properties includes applying an increasing tightening torque on the fastener, measuring the torque magnitude at the start of rotation, of the fastener, measuring the rotational movement of the fastener after the start of rotation, calculating the torque growth per angle of rotation for a certain predetermined test interval of rotation from the start of rotation, comparing the torque magnitude indicated during rotation and the calculated torque growth per angle of rotation during the test interval of rotation with predetermined reference values (Tstart, KR) or (TE, KP), respectively, characteristic for the actual fastener when tightened to a desired target torque level, and approving or disapproving the fastener status in view of the reference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Industrial Technique Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Carl-Gustaf Carlin
  • Patent number: 8555755
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for controlled fastening, comprises a body (11) coupled to which is one of different removable inserts (17, 17?, 17?). The insert comprises a transponder (18) which sends setting signals to the apparatus when it is mounted on the apparatus. The apparatus in turn comprises transmission means for programming into the transponder (18) information which shall be inserted into the signals which shall subsequently be sent by the transponder to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco BLM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimiliano Cattaneo
  • Publication number: 20130255392
    Abstract: A tension monitoring assembly or device permanently installed between a connection or anchor point and a guy cable line or structural rod allows constant monitoring and increase confidence that the guy cable or structural tension rod remains tensioned to the proper value. The device includes a plurality of compression members and a connecting member that are arranged between connection points such that the tension between a first connecting point and a second connection point may be set to a selected value. The tension on the device is determined by the distance between two members of the device such that a change in the tension from a set amount will result in a change of the distance between the two members. This change in distance can be determined by indicia that are visible as the two members move with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TomCat USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry William Todd, IV
  • 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: 8534132
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for measuring the tension in an elongated rod like body that may be fastened at an anchor end to an anchor element and that may be disposed at an accessible end relative to a securing element. A representative bolt may be secured at a first end to an accessible end of the rod like body. A housing may be positioned over the representative bolt to abut the securing element at an open first end and to allow the representative bolt to extend outwardly through a hole in a walled second end. A nut may be threaded on the representative bolt and tightened against the walled second end. A transducer may be attached to a second end of the representative bolt. The transducer may be activated to measure the length of the representative bolt. A data base of bolt length and bolt stress measurements may be used to correlate the stress level of the elongated rod like body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Charles L. Purdy
  • Patent number: 8499643
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies, units and methods are provided to determine crack development of components of interest associated with a monitored structure. According to preferred embodiments, a sample sensor bolt is provided having a shank with a threaded end, the sensor bolt being formed of a material serving as a surrogate of the material forming a component of interest associated with the monitored structure. A frame surrounds the shank of the sensor bolt and has fluid ports therein to allow fluid to contact an exposed portion of the sensor bolt shank in registry therewith. A load cell is operatively connected to the sensor bolt. A preload nut is threaded onto the threaded end of the sensor bolt shank and contacts an end of the frame so as to place the sensor bolt under an initial tensile stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Luna Innovations Incorporated
    Inventors: Nathan K. Brown, Fritz J. Friedersdorf
  • Patent number: 8490500
    Abstract: A torque coefficient measuring device can be used to measure an axial load produced by a torque applied to a threaded component which is mounted to the fixture. The measuring device can include a base defining a chamber therein. A load sensor is disposed within the chamber of the base. A movable load pin is housed within the base and arranged such that an axial load placed upon the load pin is transmitted to the load sensor. An attachment member is adapted to be connected with the threaded component. The attachment member is operably arranged with the load pin such that a torque applied to a threaded component mounted to the attachment member places an axial load upon the load pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Foster, Robert E. Long, Boon K. Teh, Eric R. Jeffery, Alan H. Doubet
  • Publication number: 20130139604
    Abstract: The bolt tension monitoring system provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system includes a housing adapted for being retained on a head of a bolt to be monitored. The system further includes a force transducer positioned between the head of the bolt and a workpiece surface in which the bolt is fastened and measures tension between the head of the bolt and the surface. A controller circuit disposed within the housing calculates a difference between a currently measured tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface and an initially measured tension. A wireless transponder mounted in the housing transmits an alert signal if the calculated difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. Actuation and power are provided through radio frequency power harvesting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: UTHMAN BAROUDI, SAMIR MEKID, ABDELHAFID BOUHRAOUA
  • Patent number: 8448520
    Abstract: The bolt tension monitoring system provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system includes a housing adapted for being retained on a head of a bolt to be monitored. The system further includes a force transducer positioned between the head of the bolt and a workpiece surface in which the bolt is fastened and measures tension between the head of the bolt and the surface. A controller circuit disposed within the housing calculates a difference between a currently measured tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface and an initially measured tension. A wireless transponder mounted in the housing transmits an alert signal if the calculated difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. Actuation and power are provided through radio frequency power harvesting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventors: Uthman Baroudi, Samir Mekid, Abdelhafid Bouhraoua