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:
Feb. 22, 2005
Filed:
Apr. 16, 2003
Guil C. Bergman, St. Henry, OH (US);
Anthony D. Enneking, Minster, OH (US);
Guil C. Bergman, St. Henry, OH (US);
Anthony D. Enneking, Minster, OH (US);
Machine Concepts, Inc., Minster, OH (US);
Abstract
A displacement-type shape sensor for detecting the flatness of a strip of material. A flatness detection system may be formed from a plurality of said sensors. The displacement-type shape sensor preferably employs a roller bearing coupled to an actuator. A linear displacement sensor is coupled to the actuator/roller bearing to measure linear displacement. Preferably, the displacement-type sensor(s) is located below the strip of material and placed in contact therewith by movement of the actuator. By measuring the amount that the roller bearing(s) is displaced, it is possible to detect the flatness of the strip. Through use of a plurality of such sensors, areas of varying tension and, thus, areas of differing flatness of the strip of material may be detected. The displacement-type shape sensor may be used in conjunction with a precision leveler to effectuate leveling of the strip of material. The sensor(s) may communicate with an automatic shape control system of the leveler to provide for automatic correction of the leveling process.