Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring unit or remnant lengths of material, calculating the price and developing related sales information adapts to use in a system wherein the measuring and related data entry operations are performed at a plurality of terminals connected to a central computer. Each terminal employs a measuring roller and associated optical-electronic measuring and data processing circuitry. The measuring roller moves bi-directionally to increment or decrement the measure and is adapted for being repositioned to a precise home position at the commencement of each measuring operation. Electronic "noise" encountered with prior art optical-electronic length measuring and price computation apparatus has been substantially eliminated and operation improved by use of visual and audio cues for the operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fabric from a bolt in which the bolt is cradled in a loop of an endless belt and unwound by driving the belt. The length of fabric unwound is accurately measured by measuring the distance of belt travel, and provision is made for presetting the length of fabric to be unwound, manually starting the belt to unwind the fabric, automatically starting measurement of the length unwound when the leading end of the fabric passes a predetermined point, and automatically stopping the belt when the preset length has been measured. The fabric unwound from the belt is automatically folded, and presented for being cut.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fabric from a bolt in which the bolt is cradled in a loop of an endless belt and unwound by driving the belt. The length of fabric unwound is accurately measured by measuring the distance of belt travel, and provision is made for presetting the length of fabric to be unwound, manually starting the belt to unwind the fabric, automatically starting measurement of the length unwound when the leading end of the fabric passes a predetermined point, and automatically stopping the belt when the preset length has been measured. The fabric unwound from the belt is automatically folded, and presented for being cut.

Abstract: Apparatus for calculating the price of a measured length of material comprising a sensor for detecting the movement in either of two directions of a material having a length to be measured and a price per unit length. The unit price of the material is entered into the apparatus and a binary value related thereto is derived. Logic components responsive to the sensor determine the direction of material movement and provide a first signal representative of the distance the material moves in a forward direction and a second signal representative of the distance the material moves in a reverse direction. An output signal representing the total price of the measured length of material is provided in response to the first and second signals and the binary value derived from the unit price. A display responds to the output signal to indicate the total price of the measured length of material.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fabric from a bolt in which the bolt is cradled in a loop of an endless belt and unwound by driving the belt. The length of fabric unwound is accurately measured by measuring the distance of belt travel, and provision is made for presetting the length of fabric to be unwound, manually starting the belt to unwind the fabric, automatically starting measurement of the length unwound when the leading end of the fabric passes a predetermined point, and automatically stopping the belt when the preset length has been measured. The fabric unwound from the belt is automatically folded, and presented for being cut.