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Thread forming fasteners for ultrasonic load measurement and control

  • US 7,644,627 B2
  • Filed: 10/14/2008
  • Issued: 01/12/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of measuring a load in a fastener, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a thread-forming fastener including a head for engagement by a tool for applying a torque to the fastener, and a body portion extending from the head and including thread-forming portions;

    coupling an ultrasonic transducer with the fastener, for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener;

    electrically connecting an apparatus to the ultrasonic transducer for supplying signals to the ultrasonic transducer and for receiving signals from the ultrasonic transducer;

    monitoring the signals received from the ultrasonic transducer, providing an accurate measurement indicative of the load in the fastener;

    adjusting the measurement indicative of the load to compensate for effects of heating of the fastener resulting from forming a thread in a mating component during installation; and

    imparting torque to the fastener and removing torque from the fastener in response to the measurement of the load in the fastener.

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