Issue 1 - April, 2000

Introduction

Advanced Gauging Technologies (A.G.T.) was founded in 1997 by the father and son team of Ron and Scott Cook. Their intention was to bring isotope thickness gauging into the 21st century. In less than two years since the first AGT400 system startup, they have already received orders for more than 50 gauging systems – strong evidence that customers feel A.G.T. has delivered tomorrow's gauging system today, and backs it up with world class service.

The Gauging Times™ is a quarterly newsletter designed to keep existing and potential customers current with the latest thickness gauge technology and features. In each issue we'll share some of our system's unique capabilities, along with technical tips, personal profiles, and glimpses of our future product development.

Personal Profile

Ronald L. Cook, Co-Founder

In the 50's, Ron Cook performed electronic maintenance Profile and instruction on the Hawk missile system. In the early sixties, he was responsible for operation and maintenance of the D.E.W. Line arctic coast radar and communication installation. By the late 60's Ron was servicing a satellite communication station for the Apollo project. During the '70's, he sold and serviced isotope coating gauges for Nucleonic Data Systems. Ron started CORON in 1983 to sell and service isotope thickness gauges. He combined all his years of experience and wisdom to co -found Advanced Gauging Technologies (A.G.T.) in 1997.

Ron has been married to Coralie for 36 years. They have four children and five grandchildren. Ron's toys are the 1964 Pontiac GTO and 1967 Norton Atlas that he bought new. His pet is a 140 pound black German Shepherd named Terminator. Ron's health is steadily improving, and in his spare time he manicures their two-acre lawn, or relaxes with Coralie on the houseboat.

Auomatic Data Storage

The AGT400 Thickness Gauge & S.P.C. Reporting System automatically stores all Data Storage measurement data for every coil processed. At the end of each coil we print a one-page, full color Coil Report showing all S.P.C. calculations, a histogram, and a graph of thickness versus length. At the same time the report is printed we also generate a simple text file, which is saved on disk and can easily be directed anywhere on the customer's computer network. Automatic data storage is a standard feature of the AGT400, and no special equipment is required to utilize it.

Coil Mapping / Remote Defect Logging

We are in the process of developing a Remote Defect Logging option for AGT400 Thickness Gauge & S.P.C. Reporting Systems. Based on customer feedback, our design will allow Inspectors a simple method to log defects as they are spotted, and provide an output file format that is easily edited, printed, or emailed. Pleas e contact us if you'd like additional information or a formal quotation on the AGT400 Coil Mapping option.

Upgrade / Replacement Of Old Gauging Systems

Many customers have old and/or obsolete gauging systems that have become difficult to maintain, or don't offer the S.P.C. reporting and data storage necessary in today's quality – driven environment.

For approximately half the cost of a new system, A.G.T. can upgrade old GR100 and GR200 gauges. We typically replace all system electronics with the exception of the Cframe and measuring heads. This upgrade connects your existing measuring heads to the latest in gauging technology, and brings you all features of an AGT400 Thickness Gauge & S.P.C. Reporting System. Other brands of obsolete gauges can be completely replaced by the AGT400. Following is a partial list of customers who have already upgraded their obsolete GR100 and GR200 gauges.

Technical Tip

Passline height affects isotope thickness gauges. For this reason, A.G.T. field service technicians are trained to calibrate all gauges at passline height. Unfortunately, this height is a variable in some situations. In these cases isotope thickness gauges will always read a little heavy as the strip gets closer to the Source Head, and light as the strip gets closer to the Detector Head. Slight passline variations - about ¼ (6mm) – are not usually cause for concern. Larger passline fluctuations can become an issue, especially on heavier thicknesses, or if passline angle also changes