Abstract:
A system includes at least one common support configured to span at least a width of a web of material in a manufacturing or processing system. The system also includes multiple sensor heads each configured to move independently along at least part of the at least one common support. The sensor heads can be configured to move simultaneously along the at least one common support, and at least one controller can be configured to control movement of the sensor heads so that the sensor heads do not contact one another. Each sensor head could include one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of the web. Different sensor heads could include different types of sensors. The sensor heads can be configured to move in non-overlapping patterns over or under the web. Different sensor heads can be configured to move at different speeds.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a chassis configured to move back and forth along multiple rails. The apparatus also includes electrical contacts configured to form electrical connections to the rails. The apparatus further includes a power converter/conditioner configured to receive power from the rails via the electrical contacts and to convert the power into a different form and/or condition the power. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to measure at least one characteristic of a material, where the one or more sensors are configured to operate using the power from the power converter/conditioner. The electrical contacts could touch the rails and receive the power directly from the rails. The electrical contacts could also touch rail contacts and receive the power indirectly from the rails via the rail contacts.
Abstract:
A system includes a frame having multiple separate supports and multiple flexible rails. Each support is configured to be secured in a position apart from another support, and each flexible rail is configured to be coupled to the supports and placed under tension. The system also includes a sensor head configured to be mounted on the rails and to move back and forth along the rails. The sensor head is substantially self-contained and configured to receive operating power over the rails. The frame may further include a tensioned member configured to be coupled to the supports, and the sensor head can be configured to move back and forth using the tensioned member. The sensor head can be self-contained in that the sensor head does not push and pull any wiring assembly during movement along the rails.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a chassis configured to move back and forth along multiple rails. The apparatus also includes electrical contacts configured to form electrical connections to the rails. The apparatus further includes a power converter/conditioner configured to receive power from the rails via the electrical contacts and to convert the power into a different form and/or condition the power. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to measure at least one characteristic of a material, where the one or more sensors are configured to operate using the power from the power converter/conditioner. The electrical contacts could touch the rails and receive the power directly from the rails. The electrical contacts could also touch rail contacts and receive the power indirectly from the rails via the rail contacts.
Abstract:
A system includes a frame having multiple separate supports and multiple flexible rails. Each support is configured to be secured in a position apart from another support, and each flexible rail is configured to be coupled to the supports and placed under tension. The system also includes a sensor head configured to be mounted on the rails and to move back and forth along the rails. The sensor head is substantially self-contained and configured to receive operating power over the rails. The frame may further include a tensioned member configured to be coupled to the supports, and the sensor head can be configured to move back and forth using the tensioned member. The sensor head can be self-contained in that the sensor head does not push and pull any wiring assembly during movement along the rails.
Abstract:
A scanning measurement system includes independently driven, self-aligning, dual-sided heads. The system is configured to perform a method that includes receiving information associated with a discrepancy in a desired cross direction alignment of a first sensor head and a second sensor head that are disposed on opposite sides of a web of material and that are configured to move in a cross direction relative to the web. The method also includes adjusting a velocity of at least one of the sensor heads based on the received information to improve the cross direction alignment of the first sensor head and the second sensor head.
Abstract:
A scanning measurement system includes independently driven, self-aligning, dual-sided heads. The system is configured to perform a method that includes receiving information associated with a discrepancy in a desired cross direction alignment of a first sensor head and a second sensor head that are disposed on opposite sides of a web of material and that are configured to move in a cross direction relative to the web. The method also includes adjusting a velocity of at least one of the sensor heads based on the received information to improve the cross direction alignment of the first sensor head and the second sensor head.
Abstract:
A system includes at least one common support configured to span at least a width of a web of material in a manufacturing or processing system. The system also includes multiple sensor heads each configured to move independently along at least part of the at least one common support. The sensor heads can be configured to move simultaneously along the at least one common support, and at least one controller can be configured to control movement of the sensor heads so that the sensor heads do not contact one another. Each sensor head could include one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of the web. Different sensor heads could include different types of sensors. The sensor heads can be configured to move in non-overlapping patterns over or under the web. Different sensor heads can be configured to move at different speeds.