Abstract: A suspension system for a measuring instrument maintains contact with an object to be imaged or measured under circumstances that include a high degree of vibration by providing damping in only one direction. The system includes a rotating shaft with a friction damper that engages the outer surface of the shaft, but relative rotation with respect to the shaft occurs only for rotational motion in one direction.

Abstract: A mounting and suspension system for mounting non-contact sliding measurement devices to the side of objects that slide on snow or ice like skis, snowboards, sleds, luges, and ice skates. A base component permanently attached to the sliding object allows a quick disconnect of the rest of the device. A linkage component permits the retraction of the measurement device relative to the sliding object in such a way that the measurement device remains aligned with the surface being measured while minimizing lateral displacement and fully retracted vertical height such that accurate measurement is obtained at any angle of sliding object relative to the surface of snow or ice. A bias device keeps the measurement device in firm contact with the surface without interfering with the use of the sliding object. A safety device prevents injury to user and damage to measurement device in case of impact with an external obstacle or fall.