Abstract: A system for measuring a living subject having a spine comprises a flexible strip, a first sensor, a processor, and a data storage device. The flexible strip, the first sensor, the processor, and the data storage device are located along the spine of the living subject. The first sensor, the processor and the data storage device are connected for collecting data related to bending of the flexible strip for determining a curvature of the spine of the living subject. The data from the first sensor is processed in the processor and stored in the storage device. One embodiment includes a transmitter for transmitting the data. Other embodiments include feedback and provide information about time duration in a posture.

Abstract: A device and method for: accurately measuring a pregnant abdomen, recording and storing all pregnancy measurements, recording and storing pregnancy milestones and experiences, comparing one or more pregnancies, and creating a pregnancy keepsake. The invention includes a 1st side and 2nd side both comprising: a pliable strip; a measuring scale; a week's pregnant scale; a marking surface; a start clasp; and an end clasp. The invention permits an accurate measurement of both fundal height and pregnant abdominal circumference. The invention also accepts written documentation for marking all pregnancy measurements and pregnancy experiences. Additionally, a plurality of labels and pregnancy themed markers are provided for attachment to the invention in order to mark the current pregnancy measurements and pregnancy experiences.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for use in the preparation of custom garments. According to one embodiment, the device includes a flexible belt capable of being encircled about a body part of an individual, and a strap attachable fixedly to the belt. One or both of the belt and strap may be formed as closed continuous loops by molded brackets/blocks formed on the belt and strap. The belt and strap each contain a respective scale of measurement indicia. Also provided are several methods for utilizing the measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the comfortable footbed shape for a person. The apparatus comprises a rear platform for supporting the rear of a foot, a front platform for supporting a forefoot, the height of at least one of said front and rear platforms being adjustable relative to the height of the other one of said platforms and fixable at a selected height relative to the other platform; and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot, the supporting surface comprising a length of flexible material fixable mounted to and extending between said front and rear platforms. The apparatus can adjust the aforementioned components to various settings with a view to determining the plantar foot shape and the perceived comfort in any chosen posture.

Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for identifying landmarks on the anatomy of a human for reference in a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a stylus body is provided with a spring member and stop with openings having different shaped portions so that when the stop is depressed it can free the stylus arm and allow rotation and/or translation and, when released, it can lock the stylus arm from rotating and/or translating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the depth of a hole with a first edge and a second edge, comprising positioning a distal end of a first member of a measuring instrument against a first surface in which the first edge is formed. Then, positioning a distal end of a second member against a second surface in which the second edge is formed, the first member and the second member being movably connected; and finally, measuring an electronic signal that represents the distance between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A depth stop device for use in connection with another device or apparatus (for example, a medical device) includes a stop member slidably positionable on the device, at least one abutment member in operative connection with the stop member to adjustably contact the device to lock the stop member in a desired position relative to the device or to free the stop member to slide relative to the device, and an adjustment member connected to the abutment member to control a position of the abutment member relative to the device. The force applicable by the abutment member to the device is limited to be less than a certain force.

Abstract: A sensor worn by a person measures movements of the person. Movements of orientation are not expressed by rotations leading from a stationary reference point to a reference point associated with the sensor, but by angles separating axes or planes of the stationary reference point and axes associated with the wearer, thereby making it possible to better identify his/her movements and his/her activity. The sensor can be applied to the monitoring of patients.

Abstract: A device for locating and marking the optimum position of the center of a hole for receiving a stoma in a hernia support, said device being in the form of work piece provided with a pattern for identifying and recording the optimum position for placing of the center of the hole provides a simple device and method for an easy determination and marking of the site for a customized hole in standard hernia trousers.

Abstract: Baby scales include a housing, a weighing tray, a measuring device and a display. The weighing tray is disposed on the housing and configured to hold a baby. The measuring device is configured to support the weighing tray and to determine a weight of the baby. The measuring device includes at least one of an electric length measuring device configured to measure a length of the baby and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the electric length measuring device. The display is configured to show the determined weight of the baby.

Abstract: A linear measurement device for measuring a wheelchair user for fitting a wheelchair, with a measuring bar having with a scale and a fixed locater attached at a first end. A second locator opposing the first locater moves on the measuring bar to a selected position for determining a distance measurement relative to the fixed locator for fitting the wheelchair user to the wheelchair. A method of measuring for wheelchair fitting with a linear measurement apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for measuring functional reach is disclosed, which comprises three parts: a support, one end thereof being attached to an object; a ruler, one end thereof being connected to the support; and a vernier, being connected to the ruler and moving on the ruler forward and backward. The invention is used for a functional evaluation test for measuring balance.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones. The measurement tool comprises: a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, lying into the tubular body, is positioned through the blind hole to be measured, the grooved insert is slid forward inside the tubular body, surrounding the probe, and pushing the probe sideward, towards the blind hole wall. When probe and groove insert are retracted together, they firmly engage against the distal bone wall. The tubular housing is then pushed forward until it abuts against the proximal bone wall, allowing even in small diameter holes, an accurate reading of hole depth on the scale located at the rear end of the probe.

Abstract: A method of finding the position of a mechanical axis running in the longitudinal direction through a limb that is rotatably supported by its first end in a center of rotation that is not fixed and is not accessible for the mechanical determination of coordinates, by means of an optical coordinate-measurement device with an indicator to detect measurement-point coordinates in one rotational position of the limb such that, for each rotational position, a multi-point indicator rigidly attached near the second end of the limb signals several measurement-point coordinates, and, from the sets of measurement-point coordinates detected in a plurality of rotational positions, at least one group is selected that can be assigned to the same site of the center of rotation, and the measurement-point-coordinate sets assigned to this site of the center of rotation are used to calculate the mechanical axis.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.

Abstract: A device for determining the required length of a middle ear prosthesis, having a disk-shaped base part to which prosthesis mockups or prostheses of different lengths are fastened, which, after being detached from the base part, can be inserted by an applicator into the middle ear of a patient during an operation for length determination purposes, in which the base part is provided with accessories for measuring and/or shaping the middle ear prosthesis to be inserted, so that this provides the operator with an even more simplified handling of prosthesis mockups or prostheses during the operation; no additional separate parts have to be used and instead, the handling means are compactly provided on or integrated into the device itself.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool to measure depth and width of bone cavities prior to and during oral implant placement. The tool includes a passive-depth gauge arm and an active spring caliper arm. The tool can be used to define the extraction socket for oral implant placement and allows measurement verifications after each step of the bone bed preparation prior to or during the actual implant placement in the extraction socket. There are multiple modifications of the primary design into separate embodiments to accommodate usage in different parts of the jaw and different points during the implant procedure.

Abstract: A measurement tool is designed to measure the relative displacements between two bony landmarks of a spine, such as pedicles and facet surfaces. The measurement tool may have a registration interface designed to be registered to a first bony landmark, and a contact feature shaped to contact a second bony landmark. The registration interface may be registered to a frame rigidly coupled relative to the first bony landmark. The measurement tool also has a displacement structure that permits motion of the contact feature relative to the registration interface along multiple dimensions. The displacement structure may have two or three sliding joints that enable relative translation along orthogonal axes. Each sliding joint may have a rod with a plurality of markings that can easily be read to acquire measurements from the displacement structure.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring tunnel defects in tissue is disclosed. The measuring device can size the defect to aid future deployment of a tissue distension device. Exemplary tunnel defects are atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovales, left atrial appendages, mitral valve prolapse, and aortic valve defects. Methods for using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Optimizing pedal angle for a cyclist is accomplished with a template having a central body with an aperture for positioning over the lateral condyle in a cyclist's knee. A fist alignment arm extends from the central body and incorporates an alignment indicia for positioning between the knee and hip of the cyclist. A second alignment arm extends from the central body at a predetermined angle with respect to the first alignment arm and employs an angular alignment indicia for relative placement over a malleolus bone of an ankle of the cyclist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones is provided. The tool includes a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, slidably disposed within the tubular body, is positioned through the blind hole to be measured, the grooved insert is slid forward inside the tubular body, surrounding the probe, and pushing the probe sideward, towards the blind hole wall. When probe and groove insert are retracted together, they firmly engage against the distal bone wall. The tubular housing is then pushed forward until it abuts against the proximal bone wall, allowing even in small diameter holes, an accurate reading of hole depth on the scale located at the rear end of the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the depth of a hole with a first edge and a second edge, comprising positioning a distal end of a first member of a measuring instrument against a first surface in which the first edge is formed. Then, positioning a distal end of a second member against a second surface in which the second edge is formed, the first member and the second member being movably connected; and finally, measuring an electronic signal that represents the distance between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a footwear characteristic measuring system designed to determine measurements of a particular footwear wedge insert which may be used to encourage correct knee alignment in an article of footwear. The system includes a base, a stepped member, a platform, and an illumination system. The stepped member or piano hinge is positioned on the top surface of the base adjacent to or partially under the platform. The platform is disposed above the top surface of the base and connected on a first side to the base via a hinge. A second portion of the platform is positioned on top of a portion of the stepped member so as to form a particular angle with respect to the base depending on the height of the particular stepped member surface. The illumination system is oriented to transmit an illumination output upward or perpendicular to the top surface of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the position of a plane or recess of an instrument. The device includes a positioning element that has at least one reference marker, wherein a spatial position of the positioning element can be ascertained, and a position determining element coupled to the positioning element. The position determining element includes at least one reference element that defines a contact plane, and at least one pressing element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone or other tissue electronically, and for providing a convenient display of information relating to the depth. The surgical depth gauge comprises a probe insertable into the hole with an indented hook for positioning the distal end of the probe against a distal surface of the bone, and a reciprocating member slidably connected to the probe and positionable against a proximal surface of the bone. The probe cooperates with a sensor in an electronic circuit connected to the reciprocating member to produce an electronic signal that changes with the distance between the first surface and the second surface. The electronic circuit comprises a power source and a display. The instrument is robust to contamination and sterilization, and is designed for use by both left and right-handed surgeons.

Abstract: A gauge for use in a surgical procedure, including a body with a plumb bob mounted to the body. The plumb bob hangs from the body under the influence of a local gravitational field. More particularly, the plumb bob is rotatable relative to the body in both a first plane and a second plane, said planes being orthongonal to each other. In use, a connector allows the gauge to be connected to various surgical implements. The position of the indicator needle on the plumb bob is noted with reference to two sets of markings on the body to allow a surgeon to determine a first angle in a first plane and a second angle in a second plane. In one exemplary application of the invention, the first and second angles are anatomical angles associated with the surgical insertion of prosthetic components.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring volume of a lower extremity includes a substantially elastic sock body with a leg end, a toe end, and a length between the leg end and the toe end. The sock body may be dimensioned to substantially snugly receive a lower extremity. A measurement thread is attached to the sock body in a manner that causes the measurement thread to wrap around the lower extremity in multiple coils along the length of the sock body. The apparatus also includes a measurement gauge that measures at least one attribute of the measurement thread that corresponds to sock volume. In one embodiment, the measurement thread is substantially inelastic and has a fixed end, and the measurement gauge measures length of the measurement thread between the fixed end and the measurement gauge. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Optimizing pedal angle for a cyclist is accomplished with a template having a central body with an aperture for positioning over the lateral condyle in a cyclist's knee. A fist alignment arm extends from the central body and incorporates an alignment indicia for positioning between the knee and hip of the cyclist. A second alignment arm extends from the central body at a predetermined angle with respect to the first alignment arm and employs an angular alignment indicia for relative placement over a malleolus bone of an ankle of the cyclist.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a footwear characteristic measuring system designed to determine measurements of a particular footwear wedge insert which may be used to encourage correct knee alignment in an article of footwear. The system includes a base, a stepped member, a platform, and an illumination system. The stepped member or piano hinge is positioned on the top surface of the base adjacent to or partially under the platform. The platform is disposed above the top surface of the base and connected on a first side to the base via a hinge. A second portion of the platform is positioned on top of a portion of the stepped member so as to form a particular angle with respect to the base depending on the height of the particular stepped member surface. The illumination system is oriented to transmit an illumination output upward or perpendicular to the top surface of the base.

Abstract: A height recording album for measuring growth and development of a subject is provided. The height recording album includes a cover, a plurality of interconnected journal pages and a mounting mechanism to secure the album to an interior door. The album includes measuring indicia for accurately aligning the top edge of the door with the corresponding correct height of the door before securing the album in place. Each journal page includes at least one transparent pocket configured to receive an insert card providing pre-printed calibrated measuring indicia and space for marking the subject's height and documenting information about the subject. The journal pages of the height recording album are fan folded and secured in the cover when the album is stored.

Abstract: Replacement aortic heart leaflets and method of making the same. The replacement aortic heart leaflets of the present invention include first and second segments. The second segment is integral with, and extends from, the first segment. A virtual line L having a predetermined length corresponding to the distance between two known aortic commissures separates the first and second segments. In another aspect of the invention, the first segment has a virtual line AM of predetermined length. In another aspect of the present invention, a leaflet-measuring device is described. In another aspect of the invention, a standard set of replacement aortic leaflets is described. Methods are provided to provide replacement aortic leaflets based on traced outlines obtained from a surgically opened aortic ring.

Abstract: An angle measurement device is provided for determining the version angle for the prosthetic humeral head during shoulder replacement surgery. The device has a first collar for contacting the forearm and has a first coupling element in the form of a rod aligned with the ulna. The device has a second collar for contacting the upper arm when the elbow is flexed to 90°. The second collar has a second coupling element coupled thereto extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the humerus. The second coupling element is pivotally coupled to the first coupling element for rotation about a pivot point axis. An angle indicator having angle indicia is located at said pivot point and fixed to one of said first or second arm contacting collars for indicating the angle between the ulna and the humerus during external rotation of the forearm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow unlimited rotational alignment between two boundaries for alignment with anatomic landmarks while still referencing both posterior condyles for A/P sizing of the distal femur. In particular embodiments, the system provides at least one movable paddle that provides a reference point from the condyles so that the measuring assembly can be aligned to be parallel with the epicondylar axis. Once the measuring assembly is properly angled, the A/P length of the bone can then be measured from a proper reference point.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises first and second supports, a substrate coupled to the first and second supports, and a measurement gauge coupled to the substrate. The first and second supports are each configured to receive sit bones of an adult human. At least one of the first and second supports is selectively moveable to locate the sit bones and to define a sit bone width. The substrate is configured to facilitate the selective moveability of the at least one of the first and second supports. The measurement gauge is configured to visually indicate the sit bone width. In another embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises locating the first and second sit bones of the rider, reading a sit bone width from the measurement gauge, and assessing a saddle characteristic based on the rider's sit-bone width.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: A method for use in reconstructing the left ventricle of the heart of a patient from a diseased state to an appropriate reconstructed state is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining the body surface area of the patient; determining a characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; determining an appropriate sizer based on the determined body surface area of the patient and the characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; identifying akinetic tissue within a heart chamber wall; making an incision through the akinetic tissue in the chamber wall; inserting said appropriate sizer into the chamber through the incision; removing the sizer; and, closing the incision.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises first and second supports, a substrate coupled to the first and second supports, and a measurement gauge coupled to the substrate. The first and second supports are each configured to receive sit bones of an adult human. At least one of the first and second supports is selectively moveable to locate the sit bones and to define a sit bone width. The substrate is configured to facilitate the selective movability of the at least one of the first and second supports. The measurement gauge is configured to visually indicate the sit bone width. In another embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises locating the first and second sit bones of the rider, reading a sit bone width from the measurement gauge, and assessing a saddle characteristic based on the rider's sit-bone width.

Abstract: A headwear-size measuring apparatus measures a size of a headwear, an elastic band, or the like and also measures a pressure applied to a wearer's head on wearing the headwear. The headwear-size measuring apparatus includes: a controller; a driving source controlled by the controller; an object extending unit having a diameter size controlled by an operation of the driving source; a pressure measuring unit for measuring an applied pressure of an object and provided at the object extending unit and transmitting the measured value to the controller; an input unit for receiving an established value and transmitting the received value to the controller; a standard data base connected to the controller such that data are transmitted to the controller and storing standard-object sizes and ranges of appropriate pressure applied to a head corresponding to the object sizes; and an output unit for displaying data processed by the controller.

Abstract: A measurement instrument is provided with indicia extending therealong. The measurement instrument indicia is correlated with an indicator of a reference instrument. The measurement instrument is positionable adjacent the entry location of a portal into a patient when the reference instrument is in the portal. The indicator of the reference instrument is correlated to a target location in the patient, and a location of the indicator along the indicia provides an indication of the optimal length for a retractor to be positioned in the portal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the status of hair bulk in an area of a scalp is operative to provide a metric over a sufficiently large area to permit revisiting with only negligible misalignment error. Accurate re-measurement of hair status in accurately identified areas produces a reliable metric for determining degree of hair loss and or the effectiveness of treatment.

Abstract: A portable handheld device (20) for use by a therapist to measure angles and forces associated with a joint of a patient. The device (20) comprises a housing (22) with a contact pad (26) that is arranged to contact a body part associated with the joint and a hand piece (24) for the therapist to grip. A goniometer is mounted within the housing (22) and is arranged to measure the angular position of the body part when it is in contact with the contact pad (26) and generate representative angle data. A force sensor is coupled to the contact pad (26) and is arranged to measure the force applied by the body part to the contact pad (26) and generate representative force data. A control system is also provided and is arranged to operate the goniometer and force sensor simultaneously to capture measurements of angle data and force data simultaneously.

Abstract: A plurality of body sizers comprise sample garments for temporary wear made of a different material to a corresponding plurality of garments for long-term wear. Each of the garments for long-term wear is made to a predetermined size based on the size of a respective one of the body sizers. The most appropriately sized one of the garments for long-term wear may be selected by gauging which of the body sizers is the best match to the actual size of at least part of a person's body. A body sizer comprises a sample garment for temporary wear formed into a single integral piece and comprises means for indicating a plurality of different predetermined sizes on which the sizes of a corresponding plurality of garments for long-term wear are based.

Abstract: A necklace sizer useful for determining a necklace size for a prospective wearer employs a flexible measuring chain having a clasp at one end which is detachably attachable to the flexible measuring chain to provide a closed-loop measuring chain of selected length. The flexible measuring chain can be made up of a number of measuring links and at least one length-indicating tag. The measuring links, which can be ring-like are each of known length along the measuring chain and each measuring link can have the same length. The at least one length-indicating tag can be connected between and to each of two of the measuring links, can bear a length-indicating marking and can also have a predetermined length. Optionally, the at least one length-indicating tag can be apertured to receive the clasp. Useful embodiments of the necklace sizer can provide easily made and accurate size determinations. Some embodiments can simulate the look and feel of a necklace around the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for use in the preparation of custom garments. According to one embodiment, the device includes a flexible belt capable of being encircled about a body part of an individual, and a strap attachable fixedly to the belt. One or both of the belt and strap may be formed as closed continuous loops by molded brackets/blocks formed on the belt and strap. The belt and strap each contain a respective scale of measurement indicia. Also provided are several methods for utilizing the measuring device.

Abstract: A flexible measuring tape is extended from a predetermined location on a face a predetermined distance to a location on a scalp. A 2 cm by 2 cm square bundle of hair about that location is isolated. The bundle of isolated hair is captured in a slit in a two-part cartridge, one part being slidable in the other part about a changeable length slit 1 mm wide. The cartridge is placed in an “L” shaped end of a plunger extending from a first end of a body of a measuring device. The plunger is drawn into the body of the device to compress the hair in the changeable length slit as the two parts of the cartridge are pushed together between an end of the “L” and the first end of the body. A spring is provided on the plunger between a second end of the body of the device and an inner end of a knob at an outer end of the plunger.