US4845374A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for detecting the deposition of an adhesive on a travelling web
Assignee: RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co
•
Filing: 1988-02-11
•
Granted: 1989-07-04
•
Expires: 2008-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is disclosed that detects the specular reflections from the surface of a travelling web to determine if a material is coated on the web. The web is illuminated with diffuse light and the reflected light is received by a detector which determines the presence and width of the coated material based on the specular reflections from the coated surface of the travelling web.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth W. White
- 👤 Luis M. Dominguez
- 👤 Bain C. McConnell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 08:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/55; G01N21/57; A; A24; A24C; A24C5/00; A24C5/14; A24C5/31; A24C5/47; A24C5/471; A24C5/472; G01N21/84; G01N21/8422; G01N2021/8427; G01N21/86
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for measuring the width of a portion of a travelling web, said apparatus comprising: (a) illumination means for uniformly illuminating a transverse surface of said travelling web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with a coating material and second reflections from a second, non-coated portion of said surface, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) detector means positioned at a second angle for receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web, and for producing signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (c) processing means connected to said detector means for receiving said signals and for determining the width of at least one of said first portion or said second portion of said surface of said travelling web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for measuring the width of a portion of a travelling web, said apparatus comprising: (a) illumination means for uniformly illuminating a transverse surface of said travelling web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with a coating material and second reflections from a second, non-coated portion of said surface, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) detector means positioned at a second angle for receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web, and for producing signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (c) processing means connected to said detector means for receiving said signals and for determining the width of at least one of said first portion or said second portion of said surface of said travelling web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for directing said first reflections to said detector means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second angles are approximately equal such that said first reflections include a predominantly specular component and said first and second angles are each about 45° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first and second angles are at least approximately equal and about 70° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first angle is less than 45° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first angle is between 0°-20° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first angle is between 0°-40° and said second angle is between 50°-90°.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first angle is between 50°-90° and said
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first angle is between 70°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-20°.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further including a polarizing filter disposed between said web and said detector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first and second angles are each approximately equal to Brewster's angle.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of measuring the width of a portion of a surface of a travelling web, said method comprising the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating said surface of said travelling web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with said coating material and second reflections from a second, non-coated portion of said surface, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of transverse of said web; (b) receiving at a second angle said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web; (c) generating signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (d) determining the width of at least one of said first and second portions based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of measuring the width of a portion of a surface of a travelling web, said method comprising the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating said surface of said travelling web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with said coating material and second reflections from a second, non-coated portion of said surface, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of transverse of said web; (b) receiving at a second angle said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web; (c) generating signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (d) determining the width of at least one of said first and second portions based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first and second angles are at least approximately equal and are about 45° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web as claimed in claim 13, wherein said first and second angles are at least approximately equal and are about 70° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first angle is less than 45° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first angle is between 0°-20° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first angle is between 0°-40° and said second angle is between 50°-90°.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first angle is between 50°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-40°.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first angle is between 70°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-20°.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for measuring the width of a travelling web, said apparatus comprising: (a) illumination means for uniformly illuminating a surface of said web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface having a relatively smooth material thereon and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not having said relatively smooth material thereon, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) detector means positioned at a second angle for receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said web, and for producing signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (c) processing means connected to said detector means for receiving said signals and for determining the width of at least one of said first portion or said second portion of said surface of said web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for measuring the width of a travelling web, said apparatus comprising: (a) illumination means for uniformly illuminating a surface of said web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface having a relatively smooth material thereon and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not having said relatively smooth material thereon, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) detector means positioned at a second angle for receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said web, and for producing signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (c) processing means connected to said detector means for receiving said signals and for determining the width of at least one of said first portion or said second portion of said surface of said web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of measuring the width of a portion of a surface of a travelling web, said method comprising the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating said surface of said web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface having a relatively smooth material thereon and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not having said relatively smooth material thereon, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said web at a second angle; (c) generating signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (d) determining the width of at least one of the first and second portions based on the differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of measuring the width of a portion of a surface of a travelling web, said method comprising the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating said surface of said web with diffuse light at a first angle to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface having a relatively smooth material thereon and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not having said relatively smooth material thereon, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said web at a second angle; (c) generating signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (d) determining the width of at least one of the first and second portions based on the differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
218 words
A method of measuring the width of a portion of a travelling web comprising the steps of: (a) illuminating, at an angle of incidence, said surface of said travelling web with a diffuse light source to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with said coating material and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not coated with said coating material, said first reflections having a first light intensity when observed at an angle of observation substantially equal to said angle of incidence, and a second intensity when observed at an angle of observation not substantially equal to said angle of incidence, said second reflections having a range of third light intensities intermediate said first and second light intensities, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of transverse of said web; (b) positioning a light detector at an angle of observation for receiving said first and second reflections; (c) generating signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (d) responsive to said signals, automatically determining the width of at least one of said first and second portions based on the difference in light intensities between at least two of said first, second and third intensities.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
218 words
A method of measuring the width of a portion of a travelling web comprising the steps of: (a) illuminating, at an angle of incidence, said surface of said travelling web with a diffuse light source to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with said coating material and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not coated with said coating material, said first reflections having a first light intensity when observed at an angle of observation substantially equal to said angle of incidence, and a second intensity when observed at an angle of observation not substantially equal to said angle of incidence, said second reflections having a range of third light intensities intermediate said first and second light intensities, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of transverse of said web; (b) positioning a light detector at an angle of observation for receiving said first and second reflections; (c) generating signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; and (d) responsive to said signals, automatically determining the width of at least one of said first and second portions based on the difference in light intensities between at least two of said first, second and third intensities.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as recited in claim 22, further comprising the step of determining the width of said first portion.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said angle of incidence is between about 70° to 90° as measured from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said angle of incidence is between about 45° to 90° as measured from axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said angle of incidence is less than 45° and said angle of observation is between 70°-90°.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said angle of incidence is between 0°-20° and said angle of observation is between 70°-90°.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said angle of incidence is between 0°-40° and said angle of observation is between 50°-90°.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said angle of incidence is between 50°-90° and said angle of observation is between 0°-40°.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said angle of incidence is between 70°-90° and said angle of observation is between 0°-20°.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
220 words
Apparatus for measuring the width of a portion of a surface of a travelling web comprising: (a) means for illuminating, at an angle of incidence, said surface of said travelling web with a diffuse light source to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with said coating material and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not coated with said coating material, said first reflections having a first light intensity when observed at an angle of observation substantially equal to said angle of incidence, and a second intensity when observed at an angle of observation not substantially equal to said angle of incidence, said second reflections having a range of third light intensities intermediate said first and second light intensities, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) light detector means for receiving, at an angle of observation, said first and second reflections, and for producing signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; (c) means responsive to said signals for automatically determining the width of at least one of said first and second portions based on the differences in light intensity between at least two of said first, second and third intensities.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
220 words
Apparatus for measuring the width of a portion of a surface of a travelling web comprising: (a) means for illuminating, at an angle of incidence, said surface of said travelling web with a diffuse light source to produce first reflections from a first portion of said surface coated with said coating material and second reflections from a second portion of said surface not coated with said coating material, said first reflections having a first light intensity when observed at an angle of observation substantially equal to said angle of incidence, and a second intensity when observed at an angle of observation not substantially equal to said angle of incidence, said second reflections having a range of third light intensities intermediate said first and second light intensities, said first and second portions being transverse to the direction of travel of said web; (b) light detector means for receiving, at an angle of observation, said first and second reflections, and for producing signals indicative of the intensities of said first and second reflections as a function of the transverse distance across said web; (c) means responsive to said signals for automatically determining the width of at least one of said first and second portions based on the differences in light intensity between at least two of said first, second and third intensities.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for detecting the presence of a coating material on a travelling web comprising: (a) illumination means for uniformly illuminating a surface of said travelling web with diffuse light at a first angle; (b) said web having a first portion of said surface having said coating material thereon and a second, discrete portion not having said coating material thereon; (c) said illumination means producing first reflections from said first, coated portion of said web and second reflections from said second, non-coated portion of said web; (d) detector means positioned at a second angle for receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web; and (e) processing means, connected to said detector means, for separately determining the light intensity of said first and second reflections and for detecting the presence of said coating material on said first portion of said travelling web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for detecting the presence of a coating material on a travelling web comprising: (a) illumination means for uniformly illuminating a surface of said travelling web with diffuse light at a first angle; (b) said web having a first portion of said surface having said coating material thereon and a second, discrete portion not having said coating material thereon; (c) said illumination means producing first reflections from said first, coated portion of said web and second reflections from said second, non-coated portion of said web; (d) detector means positioned at a second angle for receiving said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web; and (e) processing means, connected to said detector means, for separately determining the light intensity of said first and second reflections and for detecting the presence of said coating material on said first portion of said travelling web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said processing means determines the width of said coating material based on the first reflections received by said detector means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, further comprising means for directing said first reflections to said detector means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus in claim 32, wherein said first and second angles are approximately equal such that said first reflections include a predominantly specular component and said first and second angles are each about 45° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein said first and second angles are at least approximately equal and about 70° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said first angle is less than 45° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said first angle is between 0°-20° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said first angle is between 0°-40° and said second angle is between 50°-90°.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said first angle is between 50°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-40°.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said first angle is between 70°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-20°.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, further including a polarizing filter disposed between said web and said detector.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein said first and second angles are each approximately equal to Brewster's angle.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
163 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web, said method comprising the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating said surface of said travelling web with a diffuse light source at a first angle; (b) providing said web with a first portion of said surface having said coating material thereon and a second, discrete portion not having said coating material thereon; (c) orienting said web and said diffuse light source for producing first reflections from said first portion of said web coated with said coating material and second reflections from said second, non-coated portion of said web; (d) receiving at a second angle said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web; (e) separately determining the light intensities of said first and second reflections; and (f) detecting the presence of said coating material on the first portion of said travelling web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
163 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web, said method comprising the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating said surface of said travelling web with a diffuse light source at a first angle; (b) providing said web with a first portion of said surface having said coating material thereon and a second, discrete portion not having said coating material thereon; (c) orienting said web and said diffuse light source for producing first reflections from said first portion of said web coated with said coating material and second reflections from said second, non-coated portion of said web; (d) receiving at a second angle said first and second reflections from the surface of said travelling web; (e) separately determining the light intensities of said first and second reflections; and (f) detecting the presence of said coating material on the first portion of said travelling web based on differences in light intensity between said first and second reflections.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web as claimed in claim 44, further comprising the step of determining the width of said, coating material based on the first reflections.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first and second angles are at least approximately equal and are about 45° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of detecting the presence of a coating material on a surface of a travelling web as claimed in claim 46, wherein said first and second angles are at least approximately equal and are about 70° to 90° from an axis normal to said travelling web.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first angle is less than 45° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first angle is between 0°-20° and said second angle is between 70°-90°.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first angle is between 0°-40° and said second angle is between 50°-90°.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first angle is between 50°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-40°.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first angle is between 70°-90° and said second angle is between 0°-20°.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-03 | 1993-01-02 | 1993-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-03 | 1997-01-02 | 1997-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-03 | 2001-01-02 | 2001-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |