The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 03, 1997
Filed:
Sep. 10, 1996
Joe P Crookham, Oskaloosa, IA (US);
Mark A DeJong, Eddyville, IA (US);
George P Glass, Oskaloosa, IA (US);
Musco Corporation, Oskaloosa, IA (US);
Abstract
An inspection apparatus and method for specular and semi-specular surfaces include a supporting floor and surrounding background which is non-reflective and light absorbing, such as flat black. Portions of the background and/or floor are illuminated either by allowing translucent passage of light from behind or by illuminating a somewhat reflective but light diffusing surface. The reflected images of the illuminated portions can be viewed in the object being inspected, such as a painted car body in an automobile manufacturing line. Ambient light and direct light to the car body is kept to a minimum. Therefore, a high amount of contrast exists between the reflected images of the illuminated portions and those portions of the car body which reflect the dark background. Geometrical shapes can be used for the illuminated portions to assist in an inspection of the auto body.