Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for magnetically measuring a coating on a magnetizable material. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnets flexibly connected to one another with the magnets preferably provided on a strap of flexible material. Each magnet has a coating with a predetermined thickness provided over only a first portion of the magnet and preferably over one pole of the magnet. The coating of each of the plurality of magnets differs in thickness from one to another. The magnets contact the coating to be measured at a second portion of the magnets and the coating of each magnet is then contacted sequentially with a member of a magnetizable material. If the magnet is lifted with the member, the coating to be measured is greater than the thickness of the coating of the magnet. If the magnet is not lifted with the member, the coating to be measured is less than the thickness of the coating of the magnet. In this way, the thickness of the coating to be measured is determined to be between the predetermined thicknesses of the coatings of the two magnets. In another embodiment, instead of a coating, each magnet is positioned within a rivet such that one end of the magnet is recessed from a rim on one side of the rivet. The lifting member of this embodiment is applied against the rim over each magnet.

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First Claim