High speed laser/air slide dimensional measurement tool
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsRobert L. Baan, Paul J. Damore
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring the x-y-z dimensions of an article such as a ceramic chip carrier are provided. The measuring apparatus and method utilize scanning laser beams to measure the dimensions of the article without physically contacting the article as the article is moved through the measuring device at a controlled speed preferably on a cushion of air. A separate laser beam scanning device is used to measure each dimension of the article and the laser beams are positioned to scan back and forth along the dimension to be measured. As the article moves through the preferred L-shaped apparatus, the direction of the article automatically changes in a transverse direction so that all three dimensions are conveniently and accurately measured.
Claims10
A method of measuring the x, y and z dimensions of an article, the method comprising:
- advancing the article at a controlled speed along a substantially horizontal substantially planar passageway of a measuring device that comprises first, second and third measuring members, the first member positioned to measure the x dimension of the article, the second member positioned to measure the y dimension of the article and the third member positioned to measure the z dimension of the article as the article passes the first, second and third measuring members respectively;
- measuring the x or y dimension of the article as the article passes its respective measuring member;
- rotating the article 90 degrees;
- continuing advancing the article along the passageway of the measuring device and measuring the x or y dimension of the article not previously measured as the article passes its respective measuring member;
- measuring the z dimension of the article before or after the article is rotated 90 degrees;
- transmitting the measured data from the measuring members to computer or other control means for determining the x, y and z dimensions of the article.
A device for measuring the x, y and z dimensions of an article comprising:
- a substantially horizontal substantially planar passageway;
- advancing means for moving the article along the passageway;
- a measuring member positioned along the passageway for measuring the x dimension;
- a measuring member positioned along the passageway for measuring the y dimension;
- a measuring member positioned along the passageway for measuring the z dimension;
- means for rotating the article 90 degrees after either the x or y measurement but before both measurements are taken;
- wherein as the article moves along the passageway the x, y and z measurements are taken as the article moves past the respective measuring means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.