The present subject matter discloses a method of measuring a peak load, including the steps of placing an indenter between a first surface and a second surface, exerting a load on at least one of the first and second surfaces, measuring at least one of a width, depth, radial chord length, and cross-sectional area of an indentation formed by the indenter in at least one of the first and second surfaces; and converting the measured parameter into a load value. Certain methods further include the steps of converting the measured parameter into a load per length value and obtaining a load value by integrating along a circumferential length of the indentation. In still other methods, the exerted load is a compressive load.

Washer, including: a carrier element; a counter element; and a sensory layer system arranged between the carrier element and the counter element and configured to output a sensor signal on the basis of a force prevailing between the carrier element and the counter element along a screw axis and/or a prevailing pressure force or vibration; wherein the carrier element and the counter element are arranged along a screw axis and wherein the carrier element includes a geometry that is engageable with a geometry of the counter element so as to limit or prevent a rotation between the carrier element and the counter element.

A method for measuring a preload of a fastener is described. The method, which may be practiced at least in part by an 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.

A reversible force measuring device for ascertaining the magnitude and/or direction of an applied load and having a cavity containing an indicating material such as a fluid, with the cavity configured such that when a load is applied to the device, it causes a reversible volumetric change to the cavity. This change causes the indicating material to move in or out of the cavity in a quantity which corresponds to the magnitude and/or direction of the applied load. By measuring the movement of the indicating material, a user can determine the magnitude and/or direction of the applied load. The device may include a component which generates an electrical signal from the measured movement and transmits this signal to another device to control the tensioning of one or more fastener components and or make other analytical measurements by combining this measurement with other measurements like torque and or angle.

The invention relates to a monitoring attachment for monitoring a nut (9) of a screw connection for cracking, deformation and/or breakage, wherein the monitoring attachment has a conductor loop which is guided around an outer periphery of the nut (9) and which is interrupted in the event of deformation, cracking and/or breakage of the nut (9). The monitoring attachment is characterised by at least two segments (1, 1, 1, 1) which together enclose the periphery of the nut (9) and are held together frictionally at at least one radial connection point, wherein the conductor loop is guided over contacts at the connection point.

A pressure sensing device may include a body configured to distribute a load applied between first and second parts positioned one against the other, and a pressure sensor carried by the body. The pressure sensor may include a support body, and an IC die mounted with the support body and defining a cavity. The IC die may include pressure sensing circuitry responsive to bending associated with the cavity, and an IC interface coupled to the pressure sensing circuitry.

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.

A pressure sensing device may include a body configured to distribute a load applied between first and second parts positioned one against the other, and a pressure sensor carried by the body. The pressure sensor may include a support body, and an IC die mounted with the support body and defining a cavity. The IC die may include pressure sensing circuitry responsive to bending associated with the cavity, and an IC interface coupled to the pressure sensing circuitry.

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.

The present invention directly forms, on part of a member to be measured, a conduction path for measuring changes in said member. The present invention thus detects changes such as stress and displacement acting on a conduction-path-equipped member 30 intended for use in a structural member or the like. Consequently, circumstances generating stress in the member can be objectively monitored.