Craig Jonathan Kerney

US Patent:

57350558, Apr 7, 1998

Filed:

Apr 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/636433

Inventors:

David E. Hochbein - Sarver PA
Craig J. Kerney - Brea CA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G01B 506

US Classification:

33554

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the thickness of an article having upper and lower surfaces and substantial length and width dimensions, such as a sheet or plate of aluminum or another metal. A table is provided for supporting the article, and one or more openings across the length and width of the table provide access to the lower surface of the article. The table has a plurality of thickness references, each of which has an upper and a lower surface, and the thickness references are spaced across the width of the table at or near a first end. A plurality of pairs of opposed sensors are mounted at spaced intervals on a carriage that extends across the width of the table and is adapted for movement in the longitudinal direction of the table. A first member of each pair of sensors is disposed above the level of the supporting surface of the table opposite a second member that is disposed therebelow. The article is placed on the supporting surface of the table with one end of the article near the second end of the table so that the article does not cover the thickness references.