Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

Abstract: A tape measure including a tape measure blade having an edge design to increase tape blade durability is provided. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that have a non-planar, tear reducing shape. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that include a tear reducing surface treatment such as a polished lateral edge surface section.

Abstract: A tape rule comprises a blade, a reel, a spring, a lock, and a housing. The blade comprises a substrate and a coating. The coating is configured to provide color, environmental protection, and/or abrasion resistance. In some embodiments, (1) the coating is formed from non-polymer materials; (2) the blade comprises reinforcements metallurgically bonded to the blade at or near a free end; (3) measurement indicia comprise locally annealed portions of the substrate or the coating that create color contrasts; (4) the measurement indicia comprise portions of the substrate visible through gaps in the coating; (5) the measurement indicia comprise voids in the substrate filled with a coating material having a contrasting color; and/or (6) the substrate has a surface texture configured to change an appearance of the coating relative to an appearance of the coating on an as rolled surface finish of the metal substrate.

Abstract: A blade for a measuring tape device may include a first end configured to extend from a housing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second end configured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and a first cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selected portion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portion may be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curved portion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from each of the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex. The curved portion includes a first radius proximate to the apex of the curved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from the apex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being different than the first radius.

Abstract: A method of producing a measuring tape may include providing a cupped blade with substantially uniform cupping over a longitudinal length of the cupped blade, applying a stress relief operation to a selected portion of only a convex side of the cupped blade to increase curvature of the cupped blade in the selected portion of the cupped blade, and operably coupling the cupped blade to a reel assembly and providing the cupped blade and reel assembly within a housing to define the measuring tape device.

Abstract: A length measuring device and a length measuring system are provided, in which the length measuring device includes a casing, a first rotating portion accommodated in the casing, and rotated with a portion of a circumference thereof being exposed out of the casing and in contact with an object to be measured, a first sensing portion which senses an amount of rotation of the first rotating portion, and a controller which converts the amount of rotation of the first rotating portion into length measurement. Additionally, the length measuring device may further include a second rotating portion coiled with a strip by a plurality of times, and rotated according to the strip being withdrawn or retracted through an outlet formed in the casing, and a second sensing portion which senses an amount of rotation of the second rotating portion, in which the controller may convert the amount of rotation of the second rotating portion into length measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates measuring tapes and methods for making thereof. In particular, the measuring tape of the present invention contains a wipe mechanism for cleaning the tape as it retracts into its housing. The wipe mechanism contains a top wipe and a bottom wipe for removing debris from the top and bottom surfaces of the tape, respectively, when it is retracted after use.

Abstract: An image-capture inspection and documentation system is provided to capture images of post-tensioned concrete anchorage structures to verify and document proper tendon terminations in post-tensioned concrete structures. A method is disclosed for using such an image-capture inspection system to inspect, verify, and document the tendon tail-end terminations within recessed grout pockets for multiple anchorage locations while generating a digital image of each location with visual indications for both tendon tail-end termination and anchorage location identification for each such location.

Abstract: A tape measure including a reinforced or coated tape measure blade is provided. The coating is thicker than the metal inner layer of the tape blade. The coating provides a reinforced tape blade such that elongate tape blade may have a pinch load threshold of greater than 50 lbs. and/or a pinch height at break of less than 1.5 mm. A hook assembly may also provide for reduced stress at the end of the tape blade.

Abstract: A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

Abstract: A magnetic chalk line provides a powerfully magnetized fastener, which may be secured magnetically to any flat metal surface, such that it will remain secured when the line is drawn out of its spool and snapped. A hook end is provided which may be hooked to the edge of a surface, such as a steel plate, girder, wooden stud, or drywall sheet. A teardrop-shaped aperture is provided in the fastener, enabling the user to easily secure it to a nail head when working with wood or other non-metallic materials.

Abstract: An image-capture inspection and documentation system is provided to capture images of post-tensioned concrete anchorage structures to verify and document proper tendon terminations in post-tensioned concrete structures. A method is disclosed for using such an image-capture inspection system to inspect, verify, and document the tendon tail-end terminations within recessed grout pockets for multiple anchorage locations while generating a digital image of each location with visual indications for both tendon tail-end termination and anchorage location identification for each such location.

Abstract: A composite level and a method to manufacture the composite level are provided. A composite level can have three layers of material. A first layer comprises a glass-mat material, a second layer comprises carbon fiber, and a third layer comprises a glass fabric material. A composite level can also have only two layers of material. At least one bubble vial is mounted on the level body. The method to manufacture the carbon fiber composite level comprises a pultrusion process wherein a fiber glass material and carbon fiber are saturated with resin and molded into a final shape.

Abstract: A mobile device case or cover can include a distance marker for distance measurement. A mobile device coupled with the case may include a measurement application or module that can acquire video or still images of the distance marker. The measurement application can calculate a distance to the distance marker based on a captured image of the distance marker in the video or still images. The mobile device case can include a pocket, slot, or storage compartment for storing the distance marker.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods based thereon are provided for onboard measurements in miter saws. A measurement device may be attached to or incorporated into a miter saw, where the measurement device being configured to provide onboard measurement when cuts are made using the miter saw. The measurement device may comprise a tape based measurement device. The measurement device may be portable to enable detaching it from the miter saw when on-location measurements are made, and attaching it to the miter saw when cut measurements are provided. The measurement device may comprise an output component (e.g., digital display) for outputting measurement readings and/or information associated with cut measurements. The measurement device (and/or the miter saw itself) may be configured for communicating signals wirelessly in accordance with one or more wireless technologies, such as to enable receiving measurements made remotely.

Abstract: A structure of a tang of a roll-up tape measure includes a tang base and a tang plate formed at one side of the tang base. The tang base includes a plurality of tang coupling slots formed in one side thereof for coupling a measure ribbon and for positional adjustment of a reference point and also includes a tang hook formed at one end thereof. The tang hook includes a first hook section and a second hook section extending in opposite direction. The tang plate includes a receiving slot formed in one side thereof. The receiving slot receives and retains a magnetic element. The receiving slot includes, at one side thereof, at least one magnetic element for constraining and preventing the constraint stop from detachment.

Abstract: A mobile device case or cover can include a distance marker for distance measurement. A mobile device coupled with the case may include a measurement application or module that can acquire video or still images of the distance marker. The measurement application can calculate a distance to the distance marker based on a captured image of the distance marker in the video or still images. The mobile device case can include a pocket, slot, or storage compartment for storing the distance marker.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing. In one embodiment the catch can both roate and slide relative to the rule blade when frictional forces exceed a predefined minimum or are within a predefined range.

Abstract: A device having a self-winding element is described. The self-winding element is built on a flexible membrane; it has an extended form and a retracted form. Stiffness in the extended form may be provided using membrane curvature, or a retractable support member may be used, or both. Transitions between the extended form and the retracted form are preferably accomplished using sequential activation of tensile members that are configured in segments of the membrane. Activation of the tensile elements is preferably implemented using a processor or controller that activates tri-state drivers in a predetermined sequence in order to pass a current through each element when heating is desired. A preferred material used for the tensile elements is thin film NITINOL.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly defining a cavity and a tape port. A measuring tape is selectively extendable and retractable from the tape port. The measuring tape includes a spool portion disposed within the cavity and an end portion. A top surface extends from the end portion to the spool portion, and a bottom surface extends from the end portion to the spool portion opposite the top surface. A hook member is fixedly coupled to a end portion of the measuring tape. A first measurement scale is defined on the top surface and includes indicia having a first orientation relative to a longitudinal tape axis. The bottom surface includes a second measurement scale with indicia having a second orientation relative to the longitudinal tape axis. The second orientation is substantially opposite the first orientation.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus having a line and spool and a releasable end. The releasable end comprises a hook member having a rod member, a releasable member pivotally attached to the rod member and a spring positioned to bias the releasing member against the hook member. The releasing member has an attachment location for the line. Additionally, the spring is sized and shaped to allow rotation of the releasing member about the rod member and relative to the hook member upon a force exerted at the attachment location from the line.

Abstract: A builder's layout tape with nail template that includes a measuring blade retractably extensible from within a circular housing wherein a plurality of holes are rendered at specific lengths along the measuring blade, each of said holes configured to receive a fastener therethrough, wherein the measuring blade may be secured to a desired position along a workpiece whereby specific relative distances are readily ascertained without the need of relaying or repeatedly resetting the measuring blade.

Abstract: A tape-measure device having elements for measuring and/or marking/cutting an object, includes a tape, a shell (3) with a reel, an opening (5) enabling the tape (2) to pass through the shell wall, an end piece (6) attached to the distal end of the tape, a stop button (7) for the reel for blocking the tape or for enabling the rolling/unrolling of the tape. The elements include a guide shoulder (8) formed on the shell, a guide opening (9) at the end piece for the removable insertion of the end of a marking/cutting tool, and a sliding surface (60) for the end piece for translatably engaging the surface of the object to mark/cut the object using one of the surfaces thereof when the guide shoulder is simultaneously slid along an edge of the object and the end piece of the tape against the surface of the object to be marked/cut.

Abstract: A measuring tool is formed from a malleable flexible bendable non-resilient material as an elongated planar strip. The planar tool has measuring indicia formed on at least one of the tool's planar surfaces. When the tool is placed in contact with an object, it can be bent to conform to the contact surface of the object. The tool retains the conformed shape for any desired period of time without returning to its normal planar configuration, thus allowing the user to trace the object or record measurements of the object.

Abstract: In order to be able to deflect a free end of a measuring band of a measuring band sensor not only in a direction transversal to an inlet plane according to the invention the free end of the measuring band 3 arranged outside of the housing is twisted about its longitudinal axis by 90° at the most. This facilitates deflections of a total of 180°. When a deflection within the remaining 180° shall be facilitated, a torsion of the free end of the measuring band also has to be provided by 90°, but in the other direction with respect to the inlet plane.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a first connector unit, a measurement wire, and a second connector unit. The first connector unit includes a first dummy connector and a wire part. The wire part includes an inserting portion. A number of insert holes is defined in the first connector. The inserting portion of the wire part is selectively inserted in one of the insert holes of the connector. The measurement wire is graduated. A first end of the measurement wire is connected to the first connector body, and a second end of the measurement wire is movably connected to the second connector unit, with the measurement wire stretched out straight between the first and second connector units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a device, method of using a device, and a method of making a device for predicting weight and/or the appropriate dose of a medication and/or degree of some other medical intervention in a child. The device includes one or more strips for taking a girth and a length measurement from an individual. The method includes adding or otherwise combining a value given by a girth measurement and a value given by a length measurement together to estimate the weight of the individual.

Abstract: A tape rule assembly includes a housing; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing; an elongated blade wound on the reel and extendable through an opening in the housing, the blade having a distal end; a hook connected to the blade at the distal end; and a coil spring within the housing and configured to rotate the reel in the housing in a direction to wind up the blade. The elongated blade has a coating provided on at least one side thereof. The coating has a first thickness at a first portion proximate the distal end, a second thickness at a second portion of the blade that is rearward to the first portion and a third thickness at a third portion of the blade that is rearward of the second portion. The second thickness is less than the first thickness and the third thickness is less than the second thickness.

Abstract: A tape measure carrier for use in taking internal measurements includes a side wall and a base extending from the sidewall. The sidewall is of sufficient thickness so a tape measure chip will snugly slide down over the top of the sidewall to seat the tape measure on or close to the base. A base shelf is formed at the forward end of the base. A clear window piece is mounted to the base or sidewall so as to extend spaced over and parallel to the base shelf to form a channel therebetween. The channel is located and sized to allow free horizontal passage of the tape measure tape through the channel. A cross hair on the window piece is positioned to provide a known pre-determined distance between the cross hair and the rearmost end of the carrier.

Abstract: Method for measuring a rheological transition level between a first layer with first rheological properties, typically a fluid mud layer, and a second layer lying thereunder and having different, second rheological properties, typically a solid mud layer, wherein using a cable an object is lowered through the first layer into the second layer lying thereunder. A dynamic quantity of the moving cable with object, influenced by the rheological properties, or a change of this quantity, is measured. It is determined on the basis of this measurement when the object is located at the rheological transition level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring a desired length and a method of using the device, where the device comprises: a metal casing; a retractable tape measure extending from the right side of the metal casing; and numerical markings on the tape measure, where the numerical markings increase from right end of the tape to the left toward the metal casing when the tape measure is extended from the metal casing. The numerical markings may designate either inches or centimeters and may include sub-units thereof.

Abstract: A flexible and non-elastic cord is provided. The cord may have a first plurality of markings, spaced apart by a uniform first distance, and a second plurality of markings, spaced apart by a uniform second distance. The uniform first distance may be substantially larger than the uniform second distance. Each of the first plurality of markings may be colored a first color. Each of the second plurality of markings may be colored a second color which is different from the first color. Each of the first plurality of markings and each of the second plurality of markings may be a straight line. The uniform first distance may be sixteen inches and the uniform second distance may be twelve inches. The cord may be placed next to a winding path to be measured, so that the cord follows the winding path, and the winding path may be measured using the cord.

Abstract: A length measurement device comprises a first connector, a measurement wire, and a second connector. The second connector comprises a substrate and a fixer pivotally connected to the substrate. The measurement wire is an electrical wire with a scale. One end of the measurement wire is connected to the first connector, and another end is movably connected to the substrate of the second connector and the fixer.

Abstract: A tape measure having a winding drum or reel rotatably mounted on a support structure, and a measuring tape attached to the drum so as to be coilable thereon. The support structure comprises a handle that extends radially beyond an upper half of the coiled tape and a bottom edge portion that extends radially beyond a lower half of the coiled tape, the bottom edge portion comprising a hand grip.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided that may be selectively configured between an extended condition and a collapsed condition. The device includes a first member, second member, flexible housing, and securing means. Each member has a proximal end, distal end, and convex surface. The convex surfaces are flexible such that the members may bend about a bending axis of the device and resilient such that the convex surfaces are biased toward their stable convex shape and the device is biased toward the extended condition. The first and the second members are disposed within the flexible housing to form a covered pair having a proximal end and a distal end. The apex of the convex surface of the first member is opposite the apex of the convex surface of the second member when the members are disposed within the flexible housing. The securing means secures the measuring device in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tape measure having a tape, housing, and an input, has an OLED strip overlaid on top of the tape. The housing contains a programmable controller and a rolled-up portion of the tape. A specified fraction of the length of the linear target is provided to the controller using the input. The tape may be extracted from the housing to generate an exposed portion of the tape corresponding to the total length of a linear target. The controller receives information indicative of the total length of the linear target. The controller controls the OLED strip to show, i.e., light up along the tape, a fractional portion corresponding to the specified fraction of the linear target.

Abstract: A point-to-point measurement tool performs the measurement of the distance between the outside surfaces of the shoulders across the back of an individual, which is associated with tailoring custom clothing and utilized to determine both the top-of-sleeve points and used to assist in determining the sleeve length measurements in tailoring custom clothing. Various embodiment of the point-to-point measurement tool can be folded, collapsed, or broken down to enable increased portability and ease of storage of the tool.

Abstract: A tape measure having a support structure and an elongate spike mountable on the support structure. The elongate spike is moveable relative to the support structure for mounting in any selected one of two or more positions relative to the support structure. The two positions can include a position can include a position for use and a storage position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring tape (10) comprising a stack of at least two layers, characterized in that it also includes a first layer, called support layer, based on composite material (11) and a layer, called top layer, (12) based on a polymer having a high glass transition temperature so that, in conditions of use, said polymer is in a glassy state to maintain the element in the wound or folded position. The invention also relates to a deployable structure including said measuring tape intended notably for space applications.

Abstract: An electrician's reference device, wherein accurate phase determinations may be simply identified therefrom, and wherein conduit bending measurement calculations may be confidently established, via a quick, consistent, easy and convenient method incorporated into a commonly used tool configuration.

Abstract: A tape measure is invented that fits in an auxiliary pocket such as a credit card pocket of a wallet. The tape measure consists of a case that fits in the auxiliary pocket, a rectangular card that fits in the case, and a tape measure ribbon with a width at most half the width of the card. When the tape measure is in the retracted mode, the ribbon is wrapped nicely around the card and the wrapped ribbon is inserted in the case. To extend the tape measure, the wrapped card is removed from the case and the ribbon is unwrapped from the card so it functions as an ordinary tape measure ribbon. In an example given in one embodiment, a tape measure is sized to fit in a credit card pocket, has a thickness of less than the thickness of three credit cards, yet extends to 40 inches.

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 tape measure (10) including a housing (12) and a measuring tape that can be rolled up into it or drawn out of it, the tape extending from a drum (48, 50) disposed in the housing, the drum being rotatable by means of a holder element (40) extending from a handle (32) and at least in part passing through the first external surface (18) of the housing and originating from a support (46). In order to carry out internal measurements and measurements with a corner-stop position without problems from any orientation, there is provision for the handle (32) to be displaceably arranged along the drum axis inside the housing (12), for the handle (32) and the support (46) to merge flush with the first outer lateral surface in a first position (measuring position) or run offset to this surface, and in a second position (use position) to protrude, at least in part, above the first outer lateral surface, in order to engage the element.

Abstract: A tape measure having a support structure and an elongate spike mountable on the support structure. The elongate spike is moveable relative to the support structure for mounting in any selected one of two or more positions relative to the support structure. The two positions can include a position can include a position for use and a storage position.

Abstract: A measuring tape having a concave blade marked with a measuring scale on the concave surface, and an end hook having a hooking portion, wherein the end hook has a portion which partially covers and is attached to the convex side of the blade and is slidable between limit points with respect to the blade.

Abstract: A measuring device including an elongate member that defines a first surface and a first end, and a measuring pattern on the first surface, the measuring pattern including a plurality of one inch blocks positioned adjacent each other, each of the one inch blocks centered on a whole inch number as measured from the first end of the elongate member, the measuring pattern including an absence of measuring lines within each of the plurality of the one inch blocks.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a tape outlet opening. A flexible measuring tape is movable between a retracted position in which the measuring tape is substantially disposed within the housing, and an extended position in which at least a portion of the measuring tape extends through the tape outlet opening and linearly outside the housing. The measuring tape has a free end and a pair of longitudinal edges, and the measuring tape has measuring indicia displayed thereon. A magnifying lens is connected to the housing. The magnifying lens overlays the portion of the measuring tape extending outside the housing when the measuring tape is in the extended position. The magnifying lens extends laterally beyond one of the longitudinal edges of the measuring tape. A cross-hair extends across the magnifying lens. The cross-hair is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal edges of the portion of the measuring tape extending outside the housing. The cross-hair is aligned against the measuring indicia.

Abstract: A construction for position fixing of a rule tape comprises a main housing having a handle formed at its upper end, and a wound rule tape for measurement in the main housing. The free end of said rule tape has a buckle ring with a magnetic adjacent to said buckle, to absorb the generation of a pulling force due to the weight of buckle ring A fixing element is installed in the main housing.

Abstract: A tape rule has a tape rule blade with fluorescent or phosphorescent material incorporated to provide enhanced visibility of indicia.