Apparatus and method for binocular measurement system

• US 6,314,812 B1
• Filed: 09/07/2000
• Issued: 11/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harris Instrument Corporation
• Original Assignee: Harris Instrument Corporation
• Inventors: Harris, David E.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOORI, MAX H
• Application Number:
  US09/656,601
• Time in Patent Office: 432 Days
• Field of Search: 73/599, 73/618, 73/624, 356/381, 356/383
• US Class Current: 73/618
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/02 for measuring length, width or thickness G01B11/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/028 by measuring lateral position of a boundary of the object G01B11/022, G01B11/024, G01B11/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/046 for measuring width
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/0691 of objects while moving G01B11/0616 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/342 the sensed object being the obturating part

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a linear array of electromagnetic radiation emitting devices are arranged in association with a moving workpiece. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the array is received by two or more receivers. Several non-contact measurements may be obtained on a workpiece using the present apparatus and methods.

Claims

1. A measurement apparatus, comprising:

at least two discrete electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, said devices located a distance from a first surface of a material workpiece, and extending partially outwardly from an edge of said workpiece, each of said devices being responsive to the application of current thereto to emit radiation;

a first receiver responsive to radiation emitting from said devices, said first receiver located at a stand-off distance from a second surface of said material;

a second receiver responsive to radiation emitting from said devices and located a stand-off distance from said second surface of said workpiece;

a drive circuit for applying said current to said discrete radiation emitting devices for actuating each of said emitting devices; and

a processor for receiving first receiver signals from said first receiver and for receiving second receiver signals from said second receiver.

2. A method of measurement, comprising the steps of:

positioning at least two radiation emitting devices a distance from a first surface of a material workpiece, such that said devices extend partially outwardly from an edge of said workpiece;

positioning a first electromagnetic radiation receiver a stand-off distance from a second surface of said material workpiece, said first receiver responsive to said electromagnetic radiation emitted from said emitting devices;

positioning a second electromagnetic radiation receiver a stand-off distance from said second surface of said material workpiece, said second receiver responsive to said electromagnetic radiation emitted from said emitting devices;

actuating each of said emitting devices; and

processing signals received from said first and said second receiver to arrive at said measurement.