Patent ID: 7274463
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
1. A coating thickness monitor for measuring the thickness of at least a portion of an anodized coating on at least a portion of a substrate formed in an anodizing system having a bath into which the substrate is placed to facilitate the formation of the anodized coating on the substrate thereby creating the anodized substrate, said coating thickness monitor including: (a) at least one radiation source directed at at least a portion of the anodized substrate; (b) at least one probe for capturing at least a portion of the radiation reflected and refracted by the anodized coating on the anodized substrate, the captured radiation being at least a portion of the radiation directed at the anodized substrate from said radiation source; (c) at least one detector in communication with said at least one probe, said at least one detector capable of processing the captured radiation to allow a determination of at least the thickness of the anodized coating on the substrate; and (d) a guide system capable of transmitting the captured radiation from said at least one probe to said at least one detector and wherein said at least one probe is external to or within said bath.