Robert B Nordberg

US Patent:

45609241, Dec 24, 1985

Filed:

Jul 22, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/516828

Inventors:

Robert B. Nordberg - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Magnetic Peripherals Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G01R 2726

US Classification:

324 61R

Abstract:

An elongated carriage has a first capacitive probe disposed from its top surface opposite to an object surface, and a second capacitive probe disposed from its bottom surface opposite to a level reference surface. An arm is orthogonally disposed from the elongated carriage member to provide lateral support. The carriage is moveably supported at opposite ends of the elongated member and at the distal end of the arm by three rolling members which roll in corresponding grooves of supporting members as the carriage is moved in lateral increments with respect to the stationary object and reference surfaces. The first capacitive probe and the object surface comprise a first capacitor, and the second capacitive probe and the reference surface comprise a second capacitor. As the carriage moves laterally, the first probe is moved across the object surface while the second probe is moved across the reference surface. The capacitance of each probe is translated into a distance measurement.