Patent ID: 6253604
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A scanner for measuring at least one parameter of a sheet of material moving in a machine direction (MD) including gauging head means mounted for cross direction (CD) movement across said sheet, and perpendicular to said machine direction, from one edge of the sheet to the other comprising:at least one tubular beam suspended over or under said sheet in said cross direction, from one said edge to the other, said beam having a continuous slot in said cross direction in proximity to such sheet to allow said gauging means to measure said parameter;guide means inside said tubular beam on which said gauging head means is interiorly mounted for cross direction movement within said tubular beam, such gauging head having a face exposed through said slot means to said sheet and interfacing with such sheet without physical interference for measuring a parameter of said sheet;flexible drive belt means substantially contained within said tubular beam and connected to said gauging head for both driving said gauging head in said cross direction and for sealing the length of said slot in said cross direction to protect the interior of said beam and said gauging head from ambient dust, dirt and air, said drive belt means including an opening at said gauging head to allow direct communication, without interference, between said gauging head face and said moving sheet.