Patent ID: 6130516
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: G01B,G05B

Abstract:
A process for monitoring the position of objects having solid surfaces using a monitoring device wherein the monitoring device includes an electric motor, a shaft rotatably driven by said electric motor, an encoder for detecting a degree of rotation of said shaft, a microcomputer for storing and interpreting data received from said encoder and for controlling said electric motor, and a feeler pin connected to said shaft; the process comprising:positioning said feeler pin between a first and a second of said objects having solid surfaces;rotating said shaft in a first direction until said feeler pin contacts said first object;measuring a first degree of rotation of said shaft with said encoder during said rotation in said first direction;storing said first degree of rotation of said shaft in said microcomputer;rotating said shaft in a second direction until said feeler pin contacts said second object;measuring a second degree of rotation of said shaft with said encoder during said rotation in said second direction;storing said second degree of rotation of said shaft in said microcomputer;calculating a zero position for said feeler pin in between said first and second objects with said microcomputer based on said first and second degrees of rotation of said shaft; androtating said shaft to said zero position.