Abstract: A non-contact gauging system and method profiles a workpiece to accurately determine cylindrical surface profiles. The system includes a sensor head for performing reflected light measurements. The sensor head couples to a sensor arm that is movable in longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions. A computer controls operation of the sensor head and arm to perform various proximity measurements of the workpiece. Proximity measurements are made along at least three parallel, lateral tracks that extend along a longitudinal length of the workpiece surface. The sensor head takes proximity measurements as it is moved continuously along each lateral track. The computer determines the diameters of the workpiece along the longitudinal length based on the proximity measurements and generates a profile.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a surface are disclosed. The system includes a light source optic which direct a beam of light toward the surface. Scattered light and a spectacular beam are reflected from the surface. A collector collects the scattered light and directs the scattered light to a detector. The detector measures the intensity of the scattered light. A shutter is advanced into position to intersect the scattered light and to block a segment not having substantially any anisotropic light scatter. The shutter further passes another segment having substantially all of the anisotropic light scatter. The detector measures the intensity of the passed segment. A roughness ratio indicative of the anisotropic roughness to the isotropic roughness is produced by evaluating the total intensity of the scattered light and the intensity of the passed segment.

Abstract: A gauging apparatus for use with a grinding machine performs dimensional measurements during machining of a workpiece. The gauging apparatus has a sensor head with a single sensor for performing proximity measurements of the workpiece. The sensor head further has vents adjacent to the sensor to vent air to clear working fluids and debris from between the sensor and the surface of the workpiece. A sensor head arm moves the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece. A computer communicates with the sensor and the sensor head arm to determine, during the machining process, the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, the position of the workpiece, and the dimensions of the workpiece. The gauging apparatus is capable of performing measurements of the workpiece for initial positioning and for precision dimensional measurements.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus and process for measuring the gap and mismatch of two adjacent surfaces. The apparatus includes two strobe lights positioned within a hand-held housing. An optical interface within the housing directs a portion of the light generated by each light source into substantially parallel planes which are projected out of the opening of the housing at converging angles onto the surfaces to be measured. A camera within the housing captures the resulting image and generates a signal corresponding to the image. A signal processor which includes a frame grabber card processes the signal generated by the array of detectors to thereby calculate the amount of gap and mismatch between the surfaces being measured.