Patent ID: 6285034
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A method of inspecting a flanged hex headed component for conformance to a configuration criterion, the method comprising:a) sensing a plurality of radially spaced dimensions of the flanged hex headed component using a plurality electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs;b) reading a first dimension of the flanged hex headed component measured by one of the plurality electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs;c) predicting a second dimension measured by another of the electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs using the first dimension and a known location of the other electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs relative to the one of the plurality electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs;d) comparing the predicted second dimension with an actual second dimension measured by the other of the electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs;e) determining whether the flanged hex headed component is in conformance with the configuration criterion based on a difference between the predicted second dimension and the actual second dimension measured by the other of the electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs; andf) repeating (b) through (e) for each of the electromagnetic energy source and electromagnetic energy detector pairs to determine conformance of the plurality of radially spaced dimensions of the flanged hex headed component to the configuration criterion.