Patent ID: 8082792

Claim:
A sensor system for determining positions of at least two opposing edges of at least one web material traveling along a predetermined travel path, the sensor system comprising: at least one transmitter block disposed substantially adjacent the travel path, the at least one transmitter block having a plurality of transmitters in a continuous staggered formation which formation has a length extending across at least an entire width of the web material between the two opposing edges, the transmitters selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals across at least a portion of the travel path upon receipt of a transmitter drive signal; at least one receiver block spaced a distance from the at least one transmitter block to define a continuous sensor field of view which extends across at least the width of the at least one web material whereby the travel path passes in between the at least one transmitter block and the at least one receiver block, the at least one receiver block having a plurality of receivers being positioned to receive at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters of the at least one transmitter block, and the receivers being capable of generating receiver output signals responsive to the receivers sensing ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transmitters; and a master unit for periodically transmitting the transmitter drive signal to a selected transmitter of the transmitter block, and wherein the master unit receives receiver output signals and utilizes the receiver output signals to monitor the positions of the at least two opposing edges of the at least one web material.