Abstract: A sheet material characteristic monitoring apparatus is provided for use in processes involving the production and contouring of sheet material. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet material characteristic is measured at two or more stationary cross direction locations of the sheet. A digital computer computes a regression equation between the measured values of the sheet characteristic and their respective locations, which equation is evaluated between limits representing the sheet edges to provide a data profile comprising estimated values of the sheet characteristic across the width of the sheet. The data profile may be derived substantially instantaneously. The data profile may further be evaluated between limits representing one or more desired transverse dimensions of the sheet.

Abstract: A process monitoring and control system is provided for use in a tire calendering system producing a strip of rubber tire material comprising a layer of tire cord laminated between first and second layers of rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the first rubber layer is measured by a single point radiation backscatter gauge at a point prior to its lamination with the tire cord and second layer. The thickness of the first layer is controlled to a desired target by means of a control loop including the single point gauge. The total thickness of the combined layers is measured at the calender output by a total thickness gauge. Gauge coordination means, including a delay means, are provided whereby measurements of the thickness of the first layer and of the combined strip are derived over the same longitudinal portion of the strip.