Abstract: A new drive system bidirectionally "interconverts" (directs and receives in equal amounts) linear and rotary motions permitting precision linear measuring over long distances. The "convex" surface of coilable rack 30 interlocks with rotatable coupling 262 attached to encoder 32 digitizing electrical signals computer converted to precision linear measurements. Coupling rotations cause perforations in the rack to tightly engage sprockets 304. Many such engagements assure positive motion interconversions thus repeatability of precision linear measurements synchronized with the international standard of length. A second encoder 82 may be used to digitize lateral rotations of the above permitting precision polar or Cartesian coordinate measurements produced over large surfaces.

Abstract: A device for producing perforations in a flexible rack. With mechanical drive systems a "rack" is a linear element used with a rotary element whereby linear and rotary motions are displaced. The flexible rack processed by this invention consists of a tape having a cross-sectional curvature. It is thin, rigidly straight, resilient and used for "interconverting" (mutually converting or equally displacing) linear and rotary motions. A method is taught for perforating a rack along its length. Perforations are produced whil the rack is bent radially and flattened laterally corresponding to a position with which the rack will be used when "interconverting linear and rotary motions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for a perforated rack that is thin, normally curved in cross section, rigidly straight but coilable, and containing perforations adjacent at least one of its longitudinal sides. A new system for the interconversions of linear and rotary motions is then made possible with the perforated rack and a sprocket wheel coupling, and this new system is used for digitizing linear and also polar measurements. When the rack is radially bent toward its normally convex surface, and rotated upon the sprocket wheel coupling aligned with sprockets, the perforations of the rack fall upon and ring fit the sprockets. The sprocket wheel coupling is connected with a shaft position encoder, whereby, the rack motions and encoder signals are proportional relative to linear measurements made finite over relatively long distances of many feet. The rack is also made rotational about a vertical axis connected with a second shaft position encoder having its signals proportional with rotational motions.

Abstract: A compact measuring instrument having an extensible measuring means connected to accurately input a signal to a potentiometer, that signal being representative of a distance over which the extensible measuring means has extended, a calculator logic circuit being connected to the potentiometer to receive an output signal therefrom and convert it to a proportional measurement, and connected to transmit the proportional measurement signal to a visual electronic readout unit.

Abstract: A point location and graphics display system wherein a digitizer, (10) having an inner housing (14) rotatably retained in an outer housing (12), includes a rolled, flexible steel tape (34) extendable from the inner housing (14) about a roller (40) and having a stylus (76) on its outer extremity. Roller sprockets (119) engage sprocket holes (118) in the tape (34) and pass through a straightener (166) and a cleaner (168). Angle encoder (18) and linear encoder (46), respectively driven by rotation of the tape (34) in the inner housing (14) and by linear movement of the tape (34), provide signals to a computer (54) which digitizes and supplies those signals to an upright visual display (58) or a desktop display (308). A desk (356) is sometimes provided, with a menu (376), an alphanumeric keyboard (262), a digital display (366), a function keyboard (328), a recorder (302) and its controls (304), view-rotating dials (396-400) and color selection dials (404-408).

Abstract: A system for accurately locating upon a surface any number of finite points, recording those locations together with such additional information as is desired to be applied to the surface, and then transferring such recorded information to that surface in defined relation to the recorded point locations. The point locator incorporates a pair of potentiometers positioned to provide output signals representative of both X and Y coordinates, the locating signals being generated responsive to movement of a cursor head connected to the potentiometers through an extensible potentiometer rotating means to thereby actuate one or both potentiometers in amounts representative of a series of given X-Y cursor positions.