Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring length of feedstock being fed to a tool operated directly by a user. The device includes a body, configured to be removably attached to the tool. The device also includes a display, mounted in the body, and visually accessible to the user. The device also includes a measurement wheel mechanically mounted to the body and configured to be mechanically biased to the feedstock under a condition wherein the body is attached to the tool. The device also includes an encoder coupled to the measurement wheel and configured to generate a signal indicative of angular position of the wheel. The device further includes a processor, disposed in the body, coupled to the encoder and the display and configured to cause the display to show a measure indicative of a length of the feedstock that has been fed to the tool.

Abstract: A digital linear measuring device that digitizes the length of the extended tape and displays this measurement on a primary display screen that continually updates to a current measurement. The user can decide when to save a measurement, at which point the saved measurement will appear on a secondary screen (either a portion of the primary display, or a secondary adjacent display) as a previously taken measurement. These measurements can account for both an external measurement read from the tape measure, as well as an internal measurement, and the measurement may be adjusted where necessary to take into consideration the length of the device body. In use, there is no need to write down or remember a previous measurement, as they are displayed and easily accessible.