Apparatus for determining gauge profile for flat rolled material

Abstract

A gauge profile apparatus ( 100 ) includes a gauge profile system ( 104 ) and a lap count system ( 106 ) for determining an average three-dimensional profile over the length of a sheet coil ( 10 ). The gauge profile system ( 104 ) includes a lap profile measuring device ( 112 ) which will make a distance determination between top and bottom surfaces for the sheet coil ( 10 ). The lap count system ( 106 ) includes a distance sensor ( 288 ) and camera ( 290 ) for determining the average thickness of the sheet coil ( 10 ). A second embodiment of the gauge profile system ( 400 ) is also provided, which utilizes a PDA ( 404 ), an ultrasonic tester ( 406 ) and a string encoder ( 432 ).

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A gauge profile apparatus adapted for use with a sheet coil for determining an average three-dimensional profile over the length of the coil, said profile apparatus comprising:
 a gauge profile system for determining the relative distribution of material of said sheet coil for a cross-section of said material, said gauge profile system having an ultrasonic gauge device for bombarding said material of said sheet coil with high frequency waves; and   a lap count system comprising an ultrasonic distance sensor and camera, for determining the average thickness of said sheet coil, through counting of a number of laps of said sheet coil and making a determination of an outside diameter of said sheet coil and an inside diameter of said sheet coil.