Measuring and testing – Surface and cutting edge testing – Roughness
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-23
2001-08-14
Raevis, Robert (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Surface and cutting edge testing
Roughness
C073S159000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272908
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to the field of process measurement devices, and in particular to a flexural probe and method for examining sensitive web on a finished cast surface. More specifically, the invention relates to an assemblage for mounting probes, such as optical, chemical and physical probes, in close proximity to a web, such as film, conveyed on a highly polished surface that avoids causing damage to the surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A variety of methods exist for casting materials of various sorts onto a moving substrate. In the photographic film manufacture process it is conventional practice to cast, for instance, cellulose acetate films by a solvent cast method. In the solvent cast method a solution of cellulose acetate in a solvent is poured onto a moving casting surface. After sufficient evaporation of the solvent, the cellulose acetate film is peeled from the casting surface. A near infra-red (NIR) gauge is used for measuring the solvent content of the acetate film while on the casting surface. For measurement purposes, the NIR gauge needs to be mounted about 0.250 inches to about 0.375 inches away from the casting surface. The casting surface has a mirror finish and can easily be damaged. Protuberances or obstructions on film exceeding the dimensions of the spacing between the gauge and casting surface are caught between the NIR gauge and the casting surface. This generally results in damage to the finish of the casting surface and to the probe.
While there are no known attempts to solve the specific problem confronted by Applicants, U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,872, titled “Strip Inspecting Apparatus and Associated Method” by Pellatiro, Sep. 12, 1989, discloses a strip inspection apparatus wherein a linear sensor array is positioned above the surface of a strip for determining the position of the strip edges. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,301, titled “Method of and Apparatus for Applying a Fluid to a Bulk Commodity” by Ardley et al., Jan. 10, 1989 discloses a combination pivotally mounted apparatus for applying a fluid and for monitoring the thickness thereof to a material being conveyed. An obvious shortcoming of each of the aforementioned devices for solving Applicants' problem is that neither provides for a flexural assemblage that yields to contact by a surface protuberance thereby avoiding damage to the surface undergoing inspection.
Therefore, a need persists for a flexural probe assemblage for examining a sensitive web surface that can be arranged very close to the sensitive surface and can then pivot away from the sensitive surface when engaged by a protuberance on the surface without causing damage to the surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a flexural assemblage that examines a moving web without causing damage to the finished surface conveying the web.
It is another object of the invention to provide a flexural assemblage for examining a web that is pivotally urged away when in contact with a surface undulation.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a flexural assemblage that can mount a plurality of probes for examining a web without damaging the surface.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a flexural assemblage having an armature with a plurality of probes containing receptacles for selectively inspecting a predetermined location along a moving web.
It is a feature of the invention that a pivotally mounted armature containing at least one probe has an active end spaced in close proximity to a moving web defining the inspection position. The armature and the probe are configured to pivot away from the moving web when engaged by a protuberance on the surface of the web and then to return to the surface examining position.
To accomplish these and other objects and features of the invention, there is provided in one embodiment of the invention, a flexural assemblage for examining a moving web having protuberances thereon, comprising:
a rigid frame;
an armature mounted for pivotal movements in said frame;
at least one probe fixedly mounted in said armature, said at least one probe having an active end arranged in close proximity to said moving web; and
means for pivoting said armature and said at least one probe about a fixed axis away from said moving web, said armature and said at least one probe being urged pivotally from a surface examining position wherein said active end of said at least one probe is directed toward said moving web, to an inactive probe position wherein said active end of said at least one probe is directed away from said moving web and said protuberance, said inactive probe position being defined when said at least one probe has made slight contact with said protuberance on said moving surface.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for examining a moving surface, comprises the steps of:
providing a flexural assemblage for mounting at least one probe in a surface examining position relative to said moving surface, said at least one probe having an active end for examining said moving surface;
providing a movable surface to be examined in a plane of travel spaced in close proximity to said active end of said at least one probe;
activating said movable surface for movement along said plane of travel relative to said at least one probe;
providing means for flexibly urging said assemblage having said at least one probe away from said moving surface in response to slight engaging contact with a protuberance on said moving surface and then returning said at least one probe to said surface examining position;
urging said assemblage away from said moving surface when said at least one probe engagably contacts said protuberance; and
returning said assemblage to said surface examining position with said at least one probe positioned in close proximity to said moving surface.
It is, therefore, an advantageous effect that the armature of the invention allows for the mounting of sensors very near a moving sheet of film that has been cast on a mirror finish surface. Furthermore, the armature has the advantage of preventing damage to the casting surface by its ability to instantly break-away to let the obstruction pass and return to its original position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3339845 (1967-09-01), Bond
patent: 3470739 (1969-10-01), Takafuji et al.
patent: 4063051 (1977-12-01), Gundlach et al.
patent: 5317913 (1994-06-01), Feistkorn et al.
patent: 5659968 (1997-08-01), Leifeld
patent: 5934140 (1999-08-01), Jackson et al.
patent: 5939624 (1999-08-01), Smith
Boccuzzi Theodore R.
Kerprich Robert
Bailey, Sr. Clyde E.
Eastman Kodak Company
Raevis Robert
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