Patent ID: 6539776
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G01M,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for the condition monitoring of the integrity of fasteners and fastened joints in a structure including at least:a substantially fluid impervious pad configured to overlie a head of one or more fasteners adjacent a surface of the structure, said pad having a first surface for contacting said structure, a portion of said first surface configured to define a region facilitating a free flow of fluid across said first surface between said pad and said structure when said first surface is in contact with said structure overlying said one or more fasteners; a substantially constant vacuum source; said pad being collapsible to the extent that said first surface substantially conforms to the contour of the head of said fasteners when said pad is in contact with said structure and the region is in fluid communication with said constant vacuum source; a high fluid flow impedance coupled between said constant vacuum source and said region; and, a measuring device for measuring differential pressure across said high fluid flow impedance.