Width measuring device

Abstract

The edge to edge width of a moving workpiece is measured as the workpiece is transferred over horizontal table rolls between a pair of spaced apart generally horizontal sideguards extending perpendicularly of the axes of the table rolls. A pair of opposed arms have generally vertical central portions with the upper ends of the arms rotatably mounted to the sideguards about horizontal axes which extend in lengthwise vertical planes along the sideguards. The arms rotate in transverse vertical planes extending between the table rolls and transverse to the direction in which the workpiece moves. Contact rollers adapted to contact the opposed edges of the workpiece are supported at the lower ends of the rotatably mounted arms such that each contact roller contacts a workpiece edge in a transverse vertical plane within about 25.degree. of a lengthwise vertical plane when the center of gravity of the arm and contact roller structure is within about 20.degree. of the lengthwise vertical plane. Position indicators operatively connected with the sideguards and arms indicate the positions of the arms (and contact rollers) relative to the sideguards. The arm (and sideguard) position(s) are outputted to a microprocessor or other computing device for determining the width of the workpiece and what corrective operating action should be taken.