Patent ID: 6536270
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
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 the sheet, and perpendicular to the MD, from one edge of the sheet to the other comprising:at least one tubular beam suspended over or under the sheet in the CD from one the edge to the other, the beam having a continuous slot in the CD in proximity to such sheet to allow the gauging means to measure the parameter; guide means inside the tubular beam on which the gauging head means is interiorly mounted for CD movement within the tubular beam, such gauging head means having a face exposed through the slot to the sheet without physical interference for measuring a parameter of the sheet; seal belt means substantially contained within the tubular beam and forming a freely movable loop within said beam and connected to the gauging head for sealing the length of the slot in the CD to protect the interior of the beam and the gauging head from ambient dust, dirt, and air, the sealing belt means including an opening at the gauging head to allow direct communication, without interference, between the gauging head face and the moving sheet; and means for driving the gauging head means in the CD.