Ultrasonic bolting control apparatus

(Amended) Apparatus for measuring and controlling the tensile load on a fastener comprising:

• means for positioning a fastener used to connect together two or more components;
• drive means coupled to the fastener to thread the fastener into place whereby the fastener exerts a clamping force on the components to connect them together, the clamping force created by the fastener producing an equal and opposite tensile force on the fastener;
• control means for starting and stopping operation of the drive means, the control means controlling the drive means to thread the fastener into place until it exerts a predetermined amount of clamping force on the components;
• test means for generating ultrasonic waves, for transmitting the waves lengthwise through the fastener, and for measuring the transit time therethrough, the transit time of the waves being a function of the tensile force on the fastener and, in turn, a function of the clamping force exerted by the fastener the test means including transducer means positioned adjacent one end of the fastener, the transducer means generating and transmitting ultrasonic waves longitudinally of the fastener, the velocity of the ultrasonic waves passing through the fastener decreasing as the tensile force thereon increases;
• pulser means for applying an electrical input to the transducer means to generate an ultrasonic wave, the pulser means providing a range of inputs which allow ultrasonic signals to be produced and transmitted through fasteners having a range of lengths;
• and,
• computer means interfacing with both the test means and the control means, the computer means supplying test parameter information to the test means and receiving test results information therefrom, and the computer means receiving fastener status information from the control means, the test means including couplant means for coupling an output from the pulser means with the transducer means with the couplant means being interposed between the drive means and the fastener, and the couplant means including socket means for turning the fastener and slip ring means mounted on the socket means, the slip ring means including sleeve means fitting over the socket means.