US3766386A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Profile measurement of moving metal strip
Assignee: Alcan Research and Development Ltd
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Filing: 1971-11-03
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Granted: 1973-10-16
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Expires: 1991-11-03
Abstract
Abstract For measuring the transverse thickness profile of metal strip advancing longitudinally, e.g., from a rolling mill, the strip is scanned along a line across its path by thickness measuring means using an X-ray beam at an acute angle to the strip plane, while the thickness is simultaneously measured at a selected point of the line by means having an X-ray beam at a like but opposite angle, the two measuring means being carried by C-shaped structures with mutually staggered arms accommodating the beams at crossing angles whereby the scanning means can pass the other means without mutual interference of function. By combining the signals from the two measurements, longitudinal thickness variations during scanning time are in effect eliminated and an accurate, rapid determination of transverse profile is obtained. The operation is especially useful in relation in hot rolling of strip, permitting adjustments during rolling, automatically if desired, to correct or avoid profile errors, with particular advantage in avoidance of such distortions of shape as may occur, upon rewinding an ultimate cold rolled strip, because of nonflatness of profile that cannot be corrected in cold rolling.
Inventors
- 👤 O Sivilotti
- 👤 W Davies
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/02; G01N23/06; G01N23/16; G01N23/083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
A method of measuring the thickness profile across a lengthwise-moving metal strip, comprising: a. scanning the strip along a line transverse of the direction of movement, with a first thickness-sensitive beam, to provide signals representing thickness values at the successively scanned strip localities; b. simultaneously throughout said scanning step measuring the thickness of the moving strip at a selected stationary point, substantially within said line of scanning, with a second thickness-sensitive beam to provide signals representing variations in thickness of the strip at said point during the scanning step; c. said beams being mutually disposed and arranged so that as the first beam scans past said selected point each beam is transmitted through the strip and received, for thicknessmeasuring operation, without interference with the thicknessmeasuring operation of the other beam at said point; the aforesaid disposition of the beams including respectively directing them along paths at sufficient, oppositely extending angles to the perpendicular to the strip surface, to prevent interference of said thickness-measuring operations; and d. combining the signals that result from the first and second beams to provide a transverse profile determination which is substantially unaffected by longitudinal strip thickness variations as represented by thickness variation signals from the selected point.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
202 words
A method of measuring the thickness profile across a lengthwise-moving metal strip, comprising: a. scanning the strip along a line transverse of the direction of movement, with a first thickness-sensitive beam, to provide signals representing thickness values at the successively scanned strip localities; b. simultaneously throughout said scanning step measuring the thickness of the moving strip at a selected stationary point, substantially within said line of scanning, with a second thickness-sensitive beam to provide signals representing variations in thickness of the strip at said point during the scanning step; c. said beams being mutually disposed and arranged so that as the first beam scans past said selected point each beam is transmitted through the strip and received, for thicknessmeasuring operation, without interference with the thicknessmeasuring operation of the other beam at said point; the aforesaid disposition of the beams including respectively directing them along paths at sufficient, oppositely extending angles to the perpendicular to the strip surface, to prevent interference of said thickness-measuring operations; and d. combining the signals that result from the first and second beams to provide a transverse profile determination which is substantially unaffected by longitudinal strip thickness variations as represented by thickness variation signals from the selected point.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which each of said angles is at least about 15*.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as defined in claim 2 in which each of said angles is about 24*.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
87 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein: e. said first and second beams are transmitted through the strip between corresponding pairs of beam-generating and beam-sensing elements respectively near opposite faces of the strip, f. the elements of the pairs being oppositely staggered in position lengthwise of the strip, and said beams being correspondingly transmitted at oppositely inclined acute angles to the strip, g. said scanning step including moving said pair of elements for the first beam past the said pair of elements for the second beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
A method as defined in claim 1, in cOmbination with producing said moving strip by rolling operation which is adjustable for altering the profile of the produced strip, said strip being in movement lengthwise from said rolling operation, which includes h. detecting departure of the transverse profile of the aforesaid determination from a desired profile, and i. adjusting the rolling operation in accordance with said detected departure to correct the profile of further production of said strip.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
165 words
In a method of measuring the thickness profile across a length-wise moving metal strip, the steps comprising: a. scanning the strip along a line perpendicular to the direction of movement, with a first X-ray beam which traverses the strip at an acute angle to the surface thereof and which is received after said traversal, to provide signals representing thickness values at the successively scanned strip localities; and b. simultaneously throughout said scanning step directing to the strip, at a selected point substantially within said line of scanning, a second X-ray beam which traverses the strip at an acute angle to the surface thereof and which is received after said traversal, to provide signals representing variations in thickness of the strip at said point during the scanning step; c. the aforesaid traversal angles of the beams being mutually disposed to provide a sufficient angle between beams as the first scans past the second at said point to prevent interference between said thickness-sensing operations with the beams.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
165 words
In a method of measuring the thickness profile across a length-wise moving metal strip, the steps comprising: a. scanning the strip along a line perpendicular to the direction of movement, with a first X-ray beam which traverses the strip at an acute angle to the surface thereof and which is received after said traversal, to provide signals representing thickness values at the successively scanned strip localities; and b. simultaneously throughout said scanning step directing to the strip, at a selected point substantially within said line of scanning, a second X-ray beam which traverses the strip at an acute angle to the surface thereof and which is received after said traversal, to provide signals representing variations in thickness of the strip at said point during the scanning step; c. the aforesaid traversal angles of the beams being mutually disposed to provide a sufficient angle between beams as the first scans past the second at said point to prevent interference between said thickness-sensing operations with the beams.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined in claim 6 in which each of the beams is directed to the strip at an angle between about 15* and about 45* to the perpendicular to the strip surface, and the angle between the beams is at least about 30*.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as defined in claim 6, which includes combining the signals from the first and second steps by diminishing the thickness values of the first step signals in accordance with thickness values of simultaneous second step signals for cancelling the thickness variations at said point from the transverse measurements to provide a determination of transverse thickness profile of the strip which is substantially independent of longitudinal thickness variations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined in claim 8, in which each of the beams is directed to the strip at an angle between about 15* and about 30* to the perpendicular to the strip surface, and the angle between the beams is at least about 30*.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
140 words
A method as defined in claim 9 wherein d. each of said X-ray traversing and signal-providing steps is effected by projecting the corresponding X-ray beam from a first element near one face of the strip and receiving and sensing such beam at a second element near the opposite face of the strip, e. said elements for the first beam being separated longitudinally of the strip on selected opposite sides of said scanning line, said scanning operation being effected by moving said elements for the first beam together across the path of the strip, and f. said elements for the second beam being separated longitudinally of the strip on opposite sides of the scanning line which are respectively different from the aforesaid selected sides, whereby said second beam elements are disposed clear of the scanning movement of the first beam elements.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
96 words
A method as defined in claim 8, in combination with producing said moving strip by rolling operation which is adjustable for altering the profile of the produced strip, said moving strip being in its aforesaid longitudinal movement as delivered under tension from said rolling operation, which includes g. making successive determinations of transverse thickness profile along a continuous strip by the aforesaid steps, h. detecting unwanted thickness values in such profile in said successive determinations, and i. adjusting the rolling operation in accordance with said detected values for correctively altering The profile of further delivered strip.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as defined in claim 11 which includes j. delivering each of the transverse profile determinations as a series of thickness-measuring signals at localities across the strip, k. said detection of unwanted profile values comprising converting said last-mentioned signals into corresponding signals compared with an average thickness characteristic of the preceding profile determination of the strip, to represent departures from said average thickness, and
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method as defined in claim 12 in which m. the rolling operation involves controlling the shape of the rolls by delivering coolant thereto at localities across the rolls, n. said corrective strip-thickness-altering adjustment comprising controlling flow of said coolant selectively at said localities for correcting unwanted thickness values of the delivered strip profile.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for measuring the thickness profile across a metal strip moving lengthwise along a defined path, comprising: a. a first thickness-measuring means including means for directing a thickness-sensitive beam through said path at an angle to the plane of a strip therein, movable to scan such strip with said beam along a line across the path of the strip; and b. a second thickness-measuring means including means for directing a second thickness-sensitive beam through said path at an angle to the plane of the strip at a selected point substantially on said line; c. said beam-directing means being mutually arranged to direct their respective beams at an angle to each other for permitting said first thickness-measuring means in its scanning movement to pass said second thickness-measuring means at said point without interference of thickness-measuring functions of said first and second measuring means; said beam-directing means being arranged to direct their beams at acute angles, to the perpendicular to the plane of the strip, which respectively extend in opposite directions of the strip path relative to said line.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for measuring the thickness profile across a metal strip moving lengthwise along a defined path, comprising: a. a first thickness-measuring means including means for directing a thickness-sensitive beam through said path at an angle to the plane of a strip therein, movable to scan such strip with said beam along a line across the path of the strip; and b. a second thickness-measuring means including means for directing a second thickness-sensitive beam through said path at an angle to the plane of the strip at a selected point substantially on said line; c. said beam-directing means being mutually arranged to direct their respective beams at an angle to each other for permitting said first thickness-measuring means in its scanning movement to pass said second thickness-measuring means at said point without interference of thickness-measuring functions of said first and second measuring means; said beam-directing means being arranged to direct their beams at acute angles, to the perpendicular to the plane of the strip, which respectively extend in opposite directions of the strip path relative to said line.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14, which includes means controlled by said first and second measuring means and including means for mutually modifying the measurements of both said measuring means during scanning movement of the first measuring means, for producing a measurement of the transverse thickness profile of the strip which is unaffected by thickness changes at said point during said scanning movement.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 15 which includes output means controlled by said last mentioned measurement-producing means, for converting departures of said measured profile, from desired profile, into signals representing such departures at successive localities across the strip.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16, in combination with adjustable rolling means for producing said strip and means directing the strip in movement from the rolling means longitudinally past the thickness-measuring means, comprising means controlled by said output means and in response to said signals, for adjusting the rolling means to correct departures of produced strip from desired profile.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14, in which each of the beam-directing means is arranged to direct its beam at such acute angle of about 15* to about 45*.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14, in which each of the first and second measuring means comprises beam-receiving means and C-shaped supporting structure, said C-shaped structures being respectively complementary to each other and embracing the path from regions at respectively opposite edges thereof, each structure carrying the related beam-directing means and beam-receiving means at opposing ends of its C shape, adjAcent to respectively opposite faces of a strip in the strip path.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 19, which includes means for moving the supporting structure of the first measuring means crosswise of the path to effect scanning of the strip with the first beam along said line.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 20, which includes means controlled by said first and second measuring means and in response to thickness signals derived therefrom during travel of the first measuring means across the path, and including means modifying the signals from the first measuring means by the signals from the second measuring means, for producing a measurement of the thickness profile across the strip.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 21 which includes output means controlled by said last mentioned measurement-producing means, for converting departures of said measured profile, from desired flatness, into a series of signals representative of the existence and extent of such departures at successive localities across the strip.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 21, which is arranged for repeated operations, including repeated scanning movements of said first measuring means and resulting thickness profile measurements produced by the profile-measurement-producing means, and which includes output means controlled by said profile-measurement-producing means and including measurement-storing means, for converting departures of a selected thickness profile measurement from desired profile as represented by an average thickness determined from a preceding profile measurement, into signals representing such departures at successive localities across the strip.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 23, for use in cooperation with adjustable rolling means whereby said strip is delivered in movement past the first and second thickness-measuring means, comprising means adapted to control such rolling means for adjustment thereof to alter the profile of the strip delivered from rolling, said rolling adjustment control means being arranged under control of said output means, for effecting corrective adjustment in the profile of delivered strip.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 21, in combination with rolling means for producing said strip and means directing the strip in movement from the rolling means longitudinally past the first and second thickness-measuring means, comprising means controlled by said profile-measurement-producing means for adjusting the rolling means to correct departures of produced strip from desired flatness of profile.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
198 words
Apparatus for measuring the thickness profile across a metal strip moving lengthwise along a defined path, comprising: a. two thickness-measuring means each including means directing a thickness-sensitive beam through said path at an angle to the plane of a strip therein; b. one of said measuring means being arranged for movement to scan the strip path with its beam, along a line across the strip, and the other measuring means being arranged for directing its beam at a selected point on said line; c. said angular beam paths of the respective directing means being disposed at a sufficient angle to each other to permit said moving measuring means to pass said selected point without interference of thickness-measuring functions of said two measuring means; each beam being directed at an angle of at least about 15* to the perpendicular to the strip plane; and d. means controlled by said two measuring means and in response to signals derived therefrom during scanning of the moving means across the strip path, and including means modifying the signals from the moving measuring means by the signals from the other measuring means, for producing a measurement of the thickness profile across the strip.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
198 words
Apparatus for measuring the thickness profile across a metal strip moving lengthwise along a defined path, comprising: a. two thickness-measuring means each including means directing a thickness-sensitive beam through said path at an angle to the plane of a strip therein; b. one of said measuring means being arranged for movement to scan the strip path with its beam, along a line across the strip, and the other measuring means being arranged for directing its beam at a selected point on said line; c. said angular beam paths of the respective directing means being disposed at a sufficient angle to each other to permit said moving measuring means to pass said selected point without interference of thickness-measuring functions of said two measuring means; each beam being directed at an angle of at least about 15* to the perpendicular to the strip plane; and d. means controlled by said two measuring means and in response to signals derived therefrom during scanning of the moving means across the strip path, and including means modifying the signals from the moving measuring means by the signals from the other measuring means, for producing a measurement of the thickness profile across the strip.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 26, in which each measuring means comprises X-ray means facing one surface of the strip for generating and directing the angular beam of X-rays and means facing the oppoSite surface of the strip for receiving the angular X-ray beam to produce signals responsive to thickness of the strip.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 27, in which each beam is directed at an angle of about 24* to the perpendicular to the strip plane.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
152 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 27, in which each of the two measuring means comprises e. C-shaped supporting structure for crosswise embracing the strip path from opposite edges thereof, having two arms near respectively opposite faces of said path, the X-ray means and receiving means of said measuring means being respectively disposed in the arms of the corresponding C-shaped structure, f. the arms of the structure for the scanning measuring means being disposed in longitudinal separation along the strip path at selected opposite sides of the scanning line, and g. the arms of the structure for the other measuring means being disposed in longitudinal separation along the strip path at opposite sides of said line which are respectively different from the aforesaid selected sides, whereby said other measuring means and its said structure can be disposed to be clear of the scanning movement of the scanning measuring means and its said structure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 29, in which each of the C-shaped structures includes for moving it along a predetermined track across the strip path, whereby the scanning measuring means can be moved from one position clear of the path, in scanning displacements back and forth across the path, and whereby the other measuring means can be moved from an opposite position clear of the path to a position for measuring function at said point at a central region of the path.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 26, in which each measuring means comprises X-ray means facing one surface of the strip for generating and directing the angular beam of X-rays and means facing the opposite surface of the strip for receiving the angular X-ray beam to produce signals responsive to thickness of the strip, and in which said signal modifying means comprises a difference circuit wherein thickness values of the scanned signals are reduced by thickness values of the signals from the selected point, to yield signals representing thickness profile values across the strip corresponding to constant thickness at said point.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
207 words
Apparatus for measuring the thickness profile across a metal strip moving lengthwise along a defined path, comprising two pairs of supporting members, the members of each pair being respectively disposed near opposite faces of a strip in said path and in regions adjacent to opposite sides of a line that perpendicularly crosses the path, in the plane of such strip, said pairs of members being disposed in mutual complementary relation across said path, one of said pairs of members being movable crosswise of the path and the aforesaid dispositions of the supporting members being mutually arranged to permit the members of the movable pair to move through regions unoccupied by the members of the other pair, thickness-measuring means associated with each of said pairs of members, each thickness-measuring means including means projecting a thickness-sensitive beam between the two members of the pair across said line in a path at an acute angle to the surface of the strip, said angles of the beam paths extending oppositely to each other relative to the path of the strip, whereby the thickness-measuring means carried by the movable members may scan the width of the strip without interference with thickness-measuring operation of the means associated with the other pair of members.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
207 words
Apparatus for measuring the thickness profile across a metal strip moving lengthwise along a defined path, comprising two pairs of supporting members, the members of each pair being respectively disposed near opposite faces of a strip in said path and in regions adjacent to opposite sides of a line that perpendicularly crosses the path, in the plane of such strip, said pairs of members being disposed in mutual complementary relation across said path, one of said pairs of members being movable crosswise of the path and the aforesaid dispositions of the supporting members being mutually arranged to permit the members of the movable pair to move through regions unoccupied by the members of the other pair, thickness-measuring means associated with each of said pairs of members, each thickness-measuring means including means projecting a thickness-sensitive beam between the two members of the pair across said line in a path at an acute angle to the surface of the strip, said angles of the beam paths extending oppositely to each other relative to the path of the strip, whereby the thickness-measuring means carried by the movable members may scan the width of the strip without interference with thickness-measuring operation of the means associated with the other pair of members.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
75 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 32, which includes means controlled by the respective measuring means of said pairs of members and in response to thickness signals derived therefrom during travel of the movable pair of members across the width of a strip in the defined path, and including means modifying the signals from the movable pair by the signalS from the other pair, for producing a measurement of the thickness profile across the moving strip.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 32, in which the pairs of members are respectively provided with mutual supporting elements extending between the upper and lower members of the pairs at regions outside opposite edges of the strip path, to constitute each of the pairs of members as a rigid C-shaped structure with the members respectively extending crosswise of the strip path near opposite faces thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-15 | 1977-04-16 | 1977-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-15 | 1981-04-16 | 1981-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-04-16 | 1985-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |