Patent Description:
Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Fastening workpieces is important to many different industries. Typically, fastening two or more workpieces require force to apply axial pressure thereto. However, over-application of force can result in buckling of the fastener and thus lead to the workpieces disengaging. Alternatively, under-application of force can similarly lead an ineffective or failed connection.

It would be advantageous to provide a method and/or a device for determining the axial pressure applied by a fastening member so that the amount of applied force can be to be monitored to alleviate the problem of over-tensioning or under-tensioning. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to monitor the amount of force being applied over time as this would provide an indication as to whether tension is being lost.

<CIT> relates to a load indicating device that comprises a body having an adjustment means (in the form of an adjustment screw) that is aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the bore. The adjustment screw acts on a movable member via a resilient means (e. g, spring clip) such that the movable member produces a detectable and measurable displacement when compression in applied.

One problem associated with many of the presently available solutions is that they are only compatible with certain types of fastening methodologies.

It will be appreciated that it would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues or to at least provide the consumer with a commercial alternative.

In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention broadly resides in a nut device comprising:.

In an embodiment, the second surface comprises a relief area.

In one embodiment, the invention resides in a nut device comprising:.

In one embodiment, the relief area extends at least partially from the outer wall to the central treaded aperture. In one embodiment, the relief area extends from the outer wall to the central treaded aperture. In one embodiment, the relief area has a frustoconical shape.

In another embodiment, the second surface is substantially planar.

In an embodiment, the outer wall comprises an enlarged flange portion adjacent the second surface. In one embodiment, the outer wall further comprises an axially remote portion adjacent the first surface. In a further embodiment, the enlarged flange portion and the axially remote portion are connected by a transitional surface. In some embodiments, the axially remote portion is formed as a nut.

In some embodiments, the outer wall comprises an indent that receives the deformation measurement device. In one embodiment, the enlarged flange portion comprises the indent.

In embodiments, the deformation measurement device is formed with the body. In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device is formed with the periphery of the body. In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device is formed with the enlarged flange portion. In one embodiment, the nut device is provided in combination with the elongate fastening member. In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device is a strain gauge.

In one embodiment, the female threads have a first uniform pitch. In an embodiment, the elongate fastening member comprises a male threaded portion. In one embodiment, the female threads are adapted to cooperate with male threads of the male threaded portion. In one embodiment, the male threads may have a second uniform pitch. The second uniform pitch may be different from the first uniform pitch.

In second aspect, the invention resides in a fastening assembly for determining an applied load comprising:.

The nut device, fastener and components thereof may be as substantially described as for the first aspect.

In an embodiment, the second surface comprises a relief area. In another embodiment, the second surface is substantially planar.

In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a multi jackbolt tensioner. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a nut. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a body portion integrally formed with a proximal end of the elongate fastening member. In another embodiment, the fastener comprises a body portion that engages a proximal end of the elongate fastening member.

In an aspect, the invention resides in a method of determining a load applied to a fastening assembly comprising a fastener and a nut device, the method including:.

The nut device, fastener and components thereof may be as substantially described as for the first aspect and the second aspect.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of locating a load bearing member adjacent the second surface.

In one embodiment, the deformation of the body is measured at at least one predefined axial position on the outer surface.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting the elongate fastening member in an aperture of a workpiece. In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting the elongate fastening member in aligned apertures of two or more workpiece(s).

In one embodiment, tensioning of the fastener occurs at the end opposite a location of the nut device.

In one embodiment, the body comprises an indent adapted to receive the deformation measurement device. In an embodiment, the deformation measurement device is formed with the body.

The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a nut device. Accordingly, the device and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, device, or apparatus.

As used herein, the term 'about' means the amount is nominally the number following the term 'about' but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a nut device <NUM>, <NUM> comprising:.

In an embodiment, the second surface <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a relief area 114a, 214a. It will be appreciated that the relief area provides further advantages (mentioned hereinbelow) but is not essential to the present invention. In this regard, the second surface is suitably a substantially flat or planar surface. In an embodiment the second surface is a planar surface connecting the outer wall to the female threads of the aperture.

For ease of description, the deformation measurement device has been described in relation to a strain gauge. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that any device that is capable of measuring and detecting deformation may be utilized with the present invention. Non-limiting examples of the deformation measurement device include linear variable differential transformer sensors, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, light emitting devices and fibre optic sensors. A non-limiting example of the light emitting device is a laser. Another non-limiting example of the deformation measurement device is a pin gage or plug gage.

Shown in <FIG> is an embodiment of a nut device <NUM> of the present invention. Nut device <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> comprises a first surface <NUM> and second surface <NUM> connected by an outer wall <NUM> and by a central threaded aperture <NUM> having female threads <NUM>. That is, the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> are connected by the outer wall <NUM> and the female threads <NUM>. The central threaded aperture <NUM> is centrally disposed in the body <NUM>. In use, the second surface <NUM> abuts the workpiece to be fastened or a load bearing member <NUM> therebetween. The second surface <NUM> comprises a relief area 114a that extends from the outer wall <NUM> to the central threaded aperture <NUM>. In this regard, the relief area 114a extends at least partially from the outer wall <NUM> to the central threaded aperture <NUM>. That is, relative to a plane joining the junctions of the outer wall <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, the relief area 114a defines a void between the body <NUM> and the load bearing member <NUM> or workpiece (if a load bearing member is not present).

In one embodiment, the central threaded aperture may be in the form of a blind hole. That is, the aperture does not extend completely from the second surface to the first surface such that the second surface <NUM> is complete.

The relief area 114a may be defined by a surface that extends from the junction of the outer wall <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> to the junction of the central threaded aperture <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the relief area 114a is defined by a frustoconical shape. This frustoconical shaped relief area results in less initial contact between the second surface <NUM> and load bearing member <NUM> or workpiece, and this advantageously alleviates the problem of buckling.

In the embodiment shown, the outer wall <NUM> comprises an enlarged flanged portion 116a and an axially remote portion 116c. The enlarged flange portion 116a may be adjacent the second surface <NUM>. The axially remote portion 116c may be adjacent the first surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the axially remote portion 116c is formed with polygonal sides, for example as a hex nut for gripping by a tool. The enlarged flange portion 116a may be connected to the axially remote portion 116c by a transitional surface 116b. In one embodiment, the transitional surface 116b is a frustoconical transitional surface. In one embodiment, the outer wall <NUM> is circular in shape. In an embodiment, the enlarged flange portion 116a has a larger diameter than the diameter of the axially remote portion 116c.

In one embodiment, the nut device <NUM> comprises a deformation measurement device. In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device comprises a strain gauge <NUM>. A strain gauge is a device utilized to measure the amount of strain on an object by responding to deformation of the object. The measured strain can then be utilized to determine the amount of load (such as axial load) being applied. Non-limiting examples of the strain gauge include electro-resistance strain gauges and optical strain gauges. In the embodiment shown, the enlarged flanged portion 116a comprises an indent 116a' which receives the deformation measurement device (such as strain gauge <NUM>).

It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the nut device <NUM> may comprise one or more deformation measurement devices. In one embodiment, a deformation measurement device may be mounted about, or formed with, the axially remote portion. In this regard, each deformation measurement device can be used to more accurately measure the amount of deformation and thus force applied to the elongate fastening member. In this regard, the nut device may comprise one or more indents which each receive or are adapted to receive a deformation measurement device. Alternatively or additionally, the nut device may comprise one or more deformation measurement devices affixed or secured to the body.

In one embodiment, the female threads <NUM> have a first uniform pitch. The female threads <NUM> are adapted to cooperate with the male threads <NUM> of the elongate fastening member <NUM>. In one embodiment, the male threads <NUM> have a second uniform pitch. In one embodiment, the first uniform pitch is different to the second uniform pitch. The male threads <NUM> are adapted to be in mating engagement with the female treads <NUM>.

The difference in the first uniform pitch of the female threads <NUM> and the second uniform pitch of the male threads <NUM> allows for the deformation of the body (mentioned in more detail hereinafter) to be taken into account. In this regard, as the body <NUM> deforms due to tension loads, gaps formed between the female threads <NUM> and the male threads <NUM> are eliminated so that engagement occurs axially along the length of the male and female threads rather than only along a limited axial length thereof. As tension loads are applied, the mating engagement of the female threads and the male threads lengthens for an improved engagement. This action is discussed in detail in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the nut device <NUM> may be used in conjunction with a load bearing member <NUM>. In this regard, the nut device <NUM> applies force on the load bearing member <NUM> which in turn applies compressive force on the workpiece(s). In one embodiment, the load bearing member <NUM> comprises a washer.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the nut device <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the indent 116a' extends circumferentially around the enlarged flange portion 116a. Furthermore, the axially remote portion 116c may be provided as a hexagonal nut to assist with tightening and locating the nut around an elongate fastening member (not shown in <FIG>) should the consumer desire to tighten the nut device. It should be noted that strain gauge <NUM> is not present in <FIG> to clearly show the indent 116a'.

In an embodiment, such as that shown in <FIG>, the strain gauge <NUM> may be located on the outer wall <NUM>. In this regard, the strain gauge <NUM> is suitably formed with the outer wall <NUM>, such that the strain on the body <NUM>, and thus the strain in elongate fastener <NUM>, can be determined. In one embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> may be formed with body <NUM>. That is, the strain gauge <NUM> is affixed to, or formed with, the body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the enlarged flange portion 116a comprises the strain gauge <NUM>. For ease of description, <FIG> has been numbered with the same reference numerals as <FIG> and the description for <FIG> equally applies to <FIG>. The difference between the nut device of <FIG> and the nut device of <FIG> is that the nut device of <FIG> does not comprise an indent in the enlarged flange portion 116a, rather the strain gauged is formed with the nut device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> may be sputtered onto the outer wall <NUM>. In one embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> may comprise a measuring ring. The measuring ring measures the amount of deformation in the body and this can be utilized to determine the amount of tension.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the nut device of <FIG>. As shown, the axially remote portion 116c may be provided as a hexagonal nut to assist with tightening and locating the nut around an elongate fastening member (not shown in <FIG>) should the consumer desire to tighten the nut device. It should be noted that strain gauge <NUM> is not present in <FIG> to clearly show the enlarged flange portion 116a.

In use, the nut device may be utilized with an elongate fastening member. In one embodiment, the nut device is provided in combination with an elongate fastening member. In this regard, an elongate fastening member may be inserted through aligned apertures in one or more workpiece(s). The elongate fastening member may be formed with a head or body portion that can be tensioned (e.g., a multi jackbolt tensioner or fastener). The other end of the elongate fastening member may be fixed with the nut device of the present invention. By torqueing the multi jackbolt tensioner or fastener, a strong axial force is generated and directed against the workpiece(s). The thrust force of the jackbolts or head and the opposite reaction force of the nut device impose a strong clamping force on the workpiece(s).

In an embodiment, the body comprises an axial recess. In this embodiment, the deformation measurement device may be received or formed with the axial recess. In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device is permanently affixed or formed with the axial recess. The deformation measurement device in the axial recess can determine the deformation, and thus determine the force applied to the elongate fastening member.

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a nut device <NUM>, as tension is applied to an elongate fastening member <NUM>. The nut device <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> comprises a first surface <NUM> and second surface <NUM> connected by an outer wall <NUM> and by a central threaded aperture <NUM>. The central treaded aperture <NUM> comprises female threads <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> comprises a relief area 214a that extends from the outer wall <NUM> to the central threaded aperture <NUM>. In this regard, the relief area 214a extends at least partially from the outer wall <NUM> to the central threaded aperture <NUM>. The relief area 214a may have a frustoconical shape.

As tension is applied to the elongate fastening member <NUM>, the nut device <NUM> is pulled against a load bearing member <NUM> and workpiece(s) under an equal and opposite resistance force. In one embodiment, the enlarged flange portion 216a is provided with an increased diameter to take up tensile stresses occurring in that part of the nut device <NUM> and the axially remote portion 216c is provided with a reduced transverse size so that the upper female threads can deflect but cannot move further than the lower female threads (relative to the workpieces). The force applied to the nut device <NUM> causes the body <NUM> to elastically deform or deflect. In this regard, the relief area 214a is pushed towards the workpieces such that the second surface <NUM> is in contact with the load bearing member <NUM>, and this forces a deflection of the enlarged flange portion 216a outwardly. A seal is formed between the second surface <NUM> and the load bearing member <NUM>, and also between the load bearing member <NUM> and the workpiece <NUM>. The force also results in the axially remote portion 216c to deflect inwardly. The deflection (circumferential expansion) can be determined by the strain gauge <NUM> and the force being applied can be determined therefrom. In this regard, from tests, it appears that a direct linear correlation can be made between the body deformation and the elongate fastening member load. Physically, the circumference of the outer diameter of the nut body expands up to a less than a percent, proportionally with the increase of the axial bolt preload. Shown in <FIG> is a graphical representation of this correlation.

<FIG> depicts a nominal amount of deflection in the nut device <NUM>. In this regard, when no or little tension is applied to the elongate fastening member <NUM> (e.g., by a MJT opposite the nut device <NUM>), the nut device <NUM> experiences little to no deflection (shown in the complete lines). However, as tension is applied to the elongate fastening member <NUM>, the nut device <NUM> is pulled against the load bearing member <NUM> and workpiece (arrows labelled 'x'), and the second surface <NUM> engages the load bearing member <NUM>. Furthermore, the enlarged flange portion 216a deflects outwardly (as shown by arrows labelled 'y') from the elongate fastening member <NUM> and the axially remote portion 216c deflect towards the elongate fastening member <NUM> (as shown in the dotted lines, and as shown by arrows labelled 'z'). This also results the mating engagement of female threads <NUM> with the male threads <NUM>. The provision of the relief area 214a allows for a seal to be formed between the load bearing member <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. Furthermore, the relief area 214a facilitates deflection of the body <NUM> of the nut device <NUM>. In this regard, the provision of the relief area 214a allows for the deflection, when tension is applied to the elongate fastening member <NUM>, to be more pronounced. One advantage of the pronounced deflection of the nut device <NUM> is that the ratio of deflection to determined force is larger. Furthermore, the provision of the relief area 214a alleviates the issue of buckling. As such, it is postulated that a more accurate relationship between the deflection observed and force applied can be determined. It will be appreciated that this is a significant advantage over the presently available force determination methods.

In one embodiment, the nut device of the present invention can be utilized with a multi jackbolt tensioner (MJT). In this regard, <FIG> shows nut device <NUM> utilized with a multi jackbolt tensioner. MJT <NUM> comprises a body portion <NUM> formed to engage an elongate fastening member <NUM> or integrally formed therewith. In the embodiment shown, the body portion <NUM> is formed to engage the elongate fastening member <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> comprises a plurality of holes <NUM> (shown with respective jackbolts <NUM> therein) spaced uniformly from a longitudinal central axis at spaced apart locations about an outer periphery thereof, each hole <NUM> has sidewalls formed with body threads, and each jackbolts <NUM> includes a body having threads to threadedly engage the body threads in a respective hole <NUM>, in the body portion <NUM>. A distal end of the elongate fastening member <NUM> comprises an externally threaded portion <NUM> such that the nut device <NUM> can be fastened thereto. As the jackbolts are tensioned, compressive forces are applied to the nut device <NUM> such that it is pulled against the load bearing member <NUM>, and compressive force is applied to the workpiece(s) 360a, 360b. For completeness, it should be noted that the body portion <NUM> comprises a plurality of holes and respective jackbolts.

It should be noted that in the embodiment of <FIG>, the MJT <NUM> has been tensioned and the second surface <NUM> has deformed such that it is in contact with the load bearing member <NUM>. This deformation is measured by strain gauge <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, nut device <NUM> utilized with a nut <NUM>. An elongate fastener <NUM> may be inserted through aligned apertures in a pair of workpieces 360a, 360b. In the embodiment shown, the elongate fastener <NUM> comprises male threaded ends. One end of the elongate fastener is coupled with nut device <NUM>, and the other end is coupled with the nut <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the nut <NUM> is a hexagonal nut. As the nut <NUM> and/or nut device <NUM> is tensioned, compressive forces are applied to the nut device <NUM> such that it is pulled against the load bearing member <NUM>, and compressive force is applied to the workpiece(s) 360a, 360b. It should be noted that in the embodiment of <FIG>, the nut <NUM> has been tensioned and the second surface <NUM> has deformed such that it is in contact with the load bearing member <NUM>. This deformation is measured by strain gauge <NUM>.

One advantage of the present nut device is that the deformation thereof can be utilized to more accurately determine the load on the elongate fastening member and workpiece(s). Another advantage of the present nut device is that the nut device is not required to be tightened directly, which provides more possibilities of use. In this regard, a consumer can access more joint configurations regardless of tightening method. Typically, the present nut device is used on a distal end of an elongate fastening member, and the generation of load can be completed on the opposite end to the nut device by torqueing a bolt head or jackbolts. As such, the present nut device allows monitoring and determining the load with tightening methods which include, but not limited to, conventional torque/turn tightening, stud stretching by heat, mechanical tensioning and hydraulic tensioning. This is a significant advantage as it allows for monitoring and determination of load with numerous tightening methodologies. Furthermore, the monitoring of the load on a distal end is generally much more accessible than monitoring the load at the location of torqueing. In this regard, it will be appreciated that space will be required to apply force thereto.

<FIG> shows a similar embodiment of the nut device shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the nut device shown in <FIG>. For ease of description, <FIG> has been numbered with the same reference numerals as <FIG> and the description for <FIG> equally applies to <FIG>. The main difference between the nut device of <FIG> and the nut device of <FIG> is that the nut device of <FIG> does not comprise transitional surface 116b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the indent 116a' comprises a stepped profile.

<FIG> shows a similar embodiment of the nut device shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the nut device shown in <FIG>. For ease of description, <FIG> has been numbered with the same reference numerals as <FIG> and <FIG> and the description for <FIG> and <FIG> equally applies to <FIG>. The main difference between the nut device of <FIG> and the nut device of <FIG> is that the nut device of <FIG> does not comprise transitional surface 116b. Furthermore, the indent 116a' comprises a stepped profile. Additionally, the axially remote portion 116c is adapted to receive a <NUM> point socket. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that axially remote portion 116c may be adapted to be complementary to a fastening tool, or may be adapted to receive a tool for assisting in fastening thereof.

<FIG> shows a similar embodiment of the nut device shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the nut device shown in <FIG>. For ease of description, <FIG> has been numbered with the same reference numerals as <FIG> and <FIG> and the description for <FIG> and <FIG> equally applies to <FIG>. The main difference between the nut device of <FIG> and the nut device of <FIG> is that the nut device of <FIG> does not comprise transitional surface 116b. Furthermore, the indent 116a' comprises a stepped profile. In this embodiment, the axially remote portion 116c further comprises a bore which is adapted accept a tool to assist in tensioning. In one embodiment, the bore is a blind hole.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the nut device of the present invention may be utilized in torquing applications and tensioning applications. In this regard, the present nut device may be utilized as an active or a reactive nut. In one embodiment, the invention resides in a nut device for use in torquing and/or tensioning applications. In an embodiment, the invention resides in a nut device when used in torquing and/or tensioning applications.

In one aspect, the invention resides in a method of determining a load applied to a fastening assembly comprising a fastener and a nut device, the method including:.

In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device comprises a strain gauge.

The fastener, nut device and components thereof may be substantially as described hereinabove.

In one embodiment, the fastener is a MJT.

It will be appreciated that the method may further include the step of measuring deformation of the nut device in a number of locations, and determining the load applied to the elongate fastening member.

In one embodiment, the invention resides in a MJT comprising:.

The outer surface of the body may be adapted to receive a strain gauge. In this regard, the outer surface may comprise an indent that receives the strain gauge. In another embodiment, the strain gauge is in contact with the outer surface. In some embodiments, the strain gauge is formed with the body. That is, the strain gauge is affixed or formed with the outer surface.

Shown in <FIG> is a cross-section of a bolt-style MJT <NUM>. A bolt-style MJT comprises a body <NUM> that is integrally formed with the elongate fastening member <NUM>. The MJT <NUM> comprises a body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> comprises an outer surface <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> is provided with a plurality of holes spaced uniformly from a longitudinal central axis at spaced apart locations about an outer periphery thereof. In the cross-section, the body portion <NUM> is shown as being provided with holes 615a, 615b. The holes 615a, 615b have sidewalls formed with body threads. Jackbolts 630a, 630b, each including a body having threads are placed in respective holes 615a, 615b to engage therewith. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a MJT may have any number of holes and respective jackbolts and are not limited to the two shown in this cross section. In an embodiment, a load bearing member <NUM> is located between the body <NUM> and a workpiece. In the embodiment shown, a deformation measurement device is affixed or formed with the body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the deformation device comprises a strain gauge <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a fastening device <NUM> may be fixed with a threaded distal end of the elongate fastening member <NUM>. In this embodiment, as tension is applied to the MJT <NUM>, axial pressure is applied to the workpieces 660a, 660b. Furthermore, as tension is applied to the body <NUM> of MJT <NUM>, the body <NUM> deforms and the strain gauge is able to detect and measure the deformation of the fastener and load being applied can be determined.

The fastening device <NUM> may be the device of the present invention or any fastening device known in the art. The use of the fastening device of the present invention allows for multiple deformation readings. These readings can be correlated to provide a more accurate force determination.

In an alternative embodiment, the threaded distal end of the elongate fastening member <NUM> may be engaged with a threaded bore in a workpiece(s). As tension is applied to the MJT <NUM>, the body <NUM> applies axial pressure to the workpiece(s). It will be appreciated that the amount of torque applied can be monitored by the deformation of body <NUM>, through the strain gauge <NUM>.

Shown in <FIG> is a cross section of a bolt-style MJT. The bolt-style MJT of <FIG> is similar to the bolt-style MJT of <FIG> with the exception that the body <NUM> comprises an indent <NUM> in the outer surface <NUM> thereof. The indent <NUM> is adapted to receive strain gauge <NUM>. For ease of description, the same reference numerals for describing <FIG> has been utilized for the MJT of <FIG>, the only difference being that the outer surface <NUM> comprises an indent <NUM> adapted for receiving a strain gauge <NUM>. In one embodiment, the MJT is provided in combination with a strain gauge.

The body comprises an axial recess in parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal central axis. The deformation measurement device may be retained, secured or affixed in the recess. The deformation measurement device may be utilized in determining the amount of deformation in the body and thus determine the amount of force being applied. In one embodiment, the deformation measurement device comprises a strain gauge.

Shown in <FIG> is a cross-section of a bolt-style MJT <NUM>. The MJT <NUM> comprises a body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> is provided with a plurality of holes 815a, 815b spaced uniformly from a longitudinal central axis at spaced apart locations about an outer periphery thereof. In the cross-section, the body portion is shown as being provided with holes 815a, 815b. The holes 815a, 815b have sidewalls formed with body threads. Jackbolts 830a, 830b, each include a body having threads are placed in respective holes 815a, 815b to engage therewith. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a MJT may have any number of holes and respective jackbolts and are not limited to the two shown in this cross section. In one embodiment, a load bearing member <NUM> is located between the body <NUM> and a workpiece. In the embodiment shown, a recess is formed in alignment of parallel to the longitudinal axis. The strain gauge <NUM> is retained, secured or affixed in said recess. In this embodiment, the body portion <NUM> is integrally formed with the elongate fastening member <NUM>.

Shown in <FIG> is a cross section of a nut-style MJT. The nut-style MJT is similar to the bolt-style MJT of <FIG> with the exception that the nut-style MJT comprises a central treaded aperture <NUM> with female threads <NUM> adapted to engage male threads <NUM> of an elongate fastener <NUM>. For ease of description, the same reference numerals for describing the MJT of <FIG> has been utilized for <FIG>. The only difference being that the <FIG> is a nut-style MJT rather than a bolt style MJT. In this embodiment, the body portion is formed to engage an elongate fastening member.

In one embodiment, the invention resides in a method for determining an applied load including the steps of:.

determining the load applied to the elongate fastening member from the deformation of the fastener.

It will be appreciated that, where applicable, the nut device may be provided separately with the deformation measurement device (such as a strain gauge). In this regard, the consumer may locate a nut device on a fastener and subsequently place a deformation measurement device on said nut device.

In some embodiments, the second surface comprises a relief area.

In one embodiment, the outer wall comprises an indent. The indent receives the deformation measurement device. In one embodiment, the nut device is provided in conjunction with a deformation measurement device.

Claim 1:
A nut device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) and second surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected by an outer wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) and by a central threaded aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>) with female threads (<NUM>, <NUM>) for engaging an elongate fastening member (<NUM>); and
a deformation measurement device being received or formed with the body (<NUM>, <NUM>), characterised in that the deformation measurement device is located circumferentially about the body (<NUM>, <NUM>).