Abstract: A digital display tape measuring device is disclosed having a display screen exteriorly for displaying the measured distance. A tape having electrical conductivity capabilities and an insulator disposed longitudinally along the tape dividing the tape into two electrical conductors, and having a tip thereof electrically connecting both of the electrical conductors together such that an electrical circuit is formed with resistance that varies as the tape is extracted from device. An ohmmeter electrically coupled across the electrical circuit for measuring the circuit resistance. A microprocessor having inputs thereof coupled to outputs of the ohmmeter and having outputs coupled to said display screen. The microprocessor computes measurements made by as a function of the resistance measured by the ohmmeter.

Abstract: A digital display tape measuring device including a housing having a reel adapted to house and maintain a retractable tape. The device includes a display screen exteriorly located on the housing for displaying the measured distance and a tape having an elongated hollow casing with low stretch characteristics and electrical conductivity capabilities. An insulator is disposed longitudinally along the tape for dividing the tape into two electrical conductors. The tip of the tape electrically connects both of the electrical conductors together such that an electrical circuit is formed with resistance that varies as the tape is extracted from the reel. Friction bearings are disposed in the housing and on either side of the tape for pinching the tape flat when it is extracted from the reel, and at least two of these friction bearings are insulated from one another and each make ohmic contact with respective sides of the tape.