Patent ID: 6843125
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for producing one or more characterizing measurements of a surface in relation to a repeatedly reproducible datum axis, the apparatus comprising: a probe a first porous surface located on the probe, the first porous surface being in communication with a first source of fluid pressure, the: first porous surface being located proximate: to opposing walls that defines a volume, so that a non-contacting fluid pressure gap is formed between the first porous surface and the walls, the first porous surface defining the datum axis; at least one second porous surface located on the probe, the at least one second porous surface being in communication with a second source of fluid pressure, with at least one second porous surface being located in a cooperative relationship with the surface to be measured, so that a non-contacting fluid pressure gap is formed between the at least one second porous surface and the surface to be measured; and means for generating one or more characterizing measurements of the surface to be measured in relation to the datum axis.