Abstract: An article of luggage includes a built-in scale that slides into and out of a base. When the scale is disposed within the base, the user can measure the weight of the luggage. When the scale is external to the base, the user can weigh him or herself.

Abstract: A digital tape measure includes a transmitter for transmitting measurements to a remote location. The tape measure includes a housing, a flexible tape having a series of optical markings mounted within the housing, an optical sensor for sensing the optical markings when the tape is extended or retracted, a logic circuit operatively connected to the sensor for providing a digital signal representative of the distance measured, and a transmitter operatively connected to the logic circuit for transmitting the digital signal to the remote location. A receiving unit is provided at the remote location for receiving, storing, and displaying the measurements.

Abstract: A fishing line meter optically measures the length of the fishing line. Dye marks are formed on the fishing line at predetermined increments. As the line is cast out or reeled in, the dye marks are detected by the optical sensor. The optical sensor is operatively connected to a circuit which maintains a count indicative of the length of the fishing line. The count is displayed on a LED display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying dye marks to a line at predetermined fixed increments. An unmarked line is wound around a roller tube which has a slot formed therein communicating with the interior of the roller tube. A vaporized dye is supplied to the interior of the roller tube and exists through the slot and the roller tube. The disperse dye contacts and penetrates the portion of the line overlying the slot to produce a dye mark on the line at predetermined increments equal to the circumference of the roller tube.

Abstract: A distance measuring device measures distance by optically measuring the length of a flexible member, such as a line, as it is left off a reel. The line is provided with a plurality of dye marks spaced at predetermined increments. The dye marks are detected by an optical sensor. The optical sensor is operatively connected to a circuit which maintains a count indicative of the length of the line. The count is displayed on an LED display.

Abstract: In abstract a preferred embodiment of this invention is a processing machine which takes a felled tree, delimbs the same, feeds the thus trimmed timber through the machine which cuts the timber into fireplace lengths, splits the thus cut logs in one or more directions for appropriate burning size, stacks the split wood into a bundler and bales the same for market transport prior to being removed from the machine.

Abstract: In abstract, a preferred embodiment of this invention is a device for forming and maintaining demarcation boundaries primarily in the field of plant husbandry. The device includes power driven sets of blades spaced from each other on a common axle, with the tips of the blades angled toward each other. The blades are arranged so that a wedge-shaped trench is cut, and the dirt effectively impelled and scattered.