Computer-aided laser-based measurement system

Claim 1

A system for remote sensing of static, geometric and dynamic properties of a specimen being evaluated, said system comprising: a. a source for generating a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation; b. scanning means operatively connected to said source; c. detector means for sensing the presence and position of said coherent beam as at the surface of said specimen; d. a computer communicating with said scanning means for proviDing scanning signals to said source, said beam incrementally scanning the surface of said specimen; e. means electrically connected to said computer for providing output signals representative of the angular position of said source; and f. means electrically connected to said computer for providing output signals representative of the angular position of said detector means.

Claim 2

A system for remote sensing of static, geometric and dynamic properties of a specimen being evaluated, said system comprising: a. a source for generating a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation; b. scanning means operatively connected to said source; c. detector means for sensing the presence and position of said coherent beam as at the surface of said specimen; d. a computer communicating with said scanning means for proviDing scanning signals to said source, said beam incrementally scanning the surface of said specimen; e. means electrically connected to said computer for providing output signals representative of the angular position of said source; and f. means electrically connected to said computer for providing output signals representative of the angular position of said detector means.

Claim 7

A system for continuous casting of metal comprising: a. a tundish formed with a discharge spout; b. a mold formed with an opening at one end and a discharge opening at the other end, said opening being in register with said spout; c. a strand formed by said mold and discharged through said opening; d. a plurality of guide rolls defining a curving path for carrying said strand; e. at least one pair of pinch rolls, said strand passing between said pinch rolls; f. a plurality of spray nozzles disposed about said strand for cooling said strand; g. laser means for generating a coherent beam of light toward said strand; h. a receiver for sensing said illuminance as at the surface of said strand; i. computer electrically connected to said receiver, the signals as at the output of said receiver representing angular positioning signals, the signals as at the output of said receiver being applied to said computer for calculation of the contour of said strand; j. supply means for providing compressed gas; k. conduit means operatively connected to said supply means, said conduit means in register with said strand and in register with said laser means and receiver, said compressed gas being blown from said supply means through said conduit means toward said strand; l. driving means operatively connected to said pinch rolls for pressing said pinch rolls against said strand; and m. a control electrically connected to said computer and driving means, the signals as at the output of said control being responsive to the signals as at the output of said computer, said driving means being responsive to the signals as at the output of said control, the speed of said strand being regulated by said pinch rolls.

Claim 8

A system for continuous casting of metal comprising: a. a tundish formed with a discharge spout; b. a mold formed with an opening at one end and a discharge opening at the other end, said opening being in register with said spout; c. a strand formed by said mold and discharged through said opening; d. a plurality of guide rolls defining a curving path for carrying said strand; e. at least one pair of pinch rolls, said strand passing between said pinch rolls; f. a plurality of spray nozzles disposed about said strand for cooling said strand; g. laser means for generating a coherent beam of light toward said strand; h. a receiver for sensing said illuminance as at the surface of said strand; i. computer electrically connected to said receiver, the signals as at the output of said receiver representing angular positioning signals, the signals as at the output of said receiver being applied to said computer for calculation of the contour of said strand; j. supply means for providing compressed gas; k. conduit means operatively connected to said supply means, said conduit means in register with said strand and in register with said laser means and receiver, said compressed gas being blown from said supply means through said conduit means toward said strand; l. driving means operatively connected to said pinch rolls for pressing said pinch rolls against said strand; and m. a control electrically connected to said computer and driving means, the signals as at the output of said control being responsive to the signals as at the output of said computer, said driving means being responsive to the signals as at the output of said control, the speed of said strand being regulated by said pinch rolls.

Claim 10

A system for scarfing of metal comprising: a. means for descaling said metal; b. a source for generating a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation; c. scanning means operatively connected to said source, said coherent beam scanning the surface of the metal; d. detector means for sensing defects in said metal; e. computing means communicating with said detector means and scanning means; and f. burner scarfing means communicating with said computing means, said burner scarfing means being responsive to signals as at the output of said computing means.

Claim 11

A system for scarfing of metal comprising: a. means for descaling said metal; b. a source for generating a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation; c. scanning means operatively connected to said source, said coherent beam scanning the surface of the metal; d. detector means for sensing defects in said metal; e. computing means communicating with said detector means and scanning means; and f. burner scarfing means communicating with said computing means, said burner scarfing means being responsive to signals as at the output of said computing means.

Claim 12

A system for remote sensing of static and dynamic properties of a specimen under evaluation, said system comprising: a. a source for generating a coherent beam of light; b. first means operatively connected to said source for directing said beam toward said specimen, said bEam defining an illuminated spot as at the surface of said specimen, said first means generating output signals representing the angular position of said source; c. detector means for sensing said illuminated spot as at the surface of said specimen; d. second means operatively connected to said detector means for providing output signals representing the angular position of said detector means with respect to the illuminated spot as at the surface of said specimen; and e. computer means electrically communicating with said first and second means, said computer means generating scanning signals to said first source means, said beam incrementally scanning the surface of said specimen; f. the output signals of said first and second means being applied to said computer for triangulation, the distance between said source and detector being known, said computer generating signals representative of the properties of said specimen.

Claim 13

A system for remote sensing of static and dynamic properties of a specimen under evaluation, said system comprising: a. a source for generating a coherent beam of light; b. first means operatively connected to said source for directing said beam toward said specimen, said bEam defining an illuminated spot as at the surface of said specimen, said first means generating output signals representing the angular position of said source; c. detector means for sensing said illuminated spot as at the surface of said specimen; d. second means operatively connected to said detector means for providing output signals representing the angular position of said detector means with respect to the illuminated spot as at the surface of said specimen; and e. computer means electrically communicating with said first and second means, said computer means generating scanning signals to said first source means, said beam incrementally scanning the surface of said specimen; f. the output signals of said first and second means being applied to said computer for triangulation, the distance between said source and detector being known, said computer generating signals representative of the properties of said specimen.