Probe for fastener identification and ultrasonic load measurement
US8033181B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B2200/95
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is provided for both reading an optical identification mark, such as a bar code, on a fastener and for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener using a single probe for use during fastener installation with assembly tools and for the inspection of load in preinstalled fasteners. The probe includes both a fiber optic imaging cable and at least one electrical conductor. The fiber optic imaging cable is optically coupled to an imaging device such as a bar code reader allowing the bar code reader to be located remote from the fastener. The electrical conductor provides an electrical connection from the ultrasonic transducer on the fastener to load measurement instrumentation. The probe is further capable of providing illumination of the bar code to facilitate reading of the bar code.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.