Abstract: Disclosed is a power-movement tape measure that has a tape wound on a spool rotatably mounted on a housing shaft. An electric motor having a worm gear affixed to its output slat is engaged in the external toothing of the spool. This motor is provided for driving the tape at a controlled speed both out of the housing and retracting the tape back into the housing. A switch energizes and selects the direction of the motor. The switch may be of constant speed or speed controlling type. The worm gear and spool toothing drive reduction mechanism also serves as resistance to unwanted tape movement, since a force applied to move the tape and spool imparts only a small vector of this force in a direction to spin the worm gear and motor. A rechargeable or a disposable battery may be contained in a housing battery receptacle for powering the motor. A flexible strap, that slides on part of the outer diameter of the tape, may be included to prevent the tape from uncoiling from the spool.

Abstract: A measuring tape comprises a housing in which a pivot is disposed for mounting a reel. A tape blade is releasably wound on the reel such that the tape blade can be pulled out of an opening of the housing. The bottom of the housing is provided with an action slot in which a stop member is slidably disposed. As the stop member is pushed forward, the press portions of the front end of the stop member and the urging portion of an arresting piece pivoted in the housing work together to prevent the rewinding of the tape blade. When the stop member is pushed backward, the arresting piece is pushed to swivel backward so as to move away from the tape blade, thereby enabling the tape blade to be rewound.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. The blade has a hook member on the free end thereof. The hook member includes a hook portion and a mounting portion extending generally perpendicular from the hook portion. The mounting portion is connected with the free end of the blade for limited relative movement along the blade in an amount generally equal to thickness of the hook portion.

Abstract: A height measuring instrument includes a measuring box having a right-angled plate; a measuring tape having a scale and a space to record measured data, the measuring tape wounded onto means for winding within the measuring box when in a stored mode, being extended an optional length when in an operative mode; winding means provided within the measuring box and attached to one end portion of the measuring tape so as to wind the measuring tape by handling from the outside; means for marking the measured data on the measuring tape, the marking means being included: a measuring member formed in the shape of a plate and installed into the measuring box such that the measuring member can prevent to loosen and slide the measuring tape in an operative mode by a tension on the measuring tape when in fitting of a length of the measuring tape; a through hole formed on the measuring member and allowing writing goods to pass through therein order to record a mark on the measuring tape; a hole punch having a spring provid

Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.

Abstract: A pushing suspending device of a measuring tape has a housing, a rule and a suspending device, with the rule curled within the housing, and protecting disk covers installed on the two sides of the rule. The suspending device includes a contacting pressing piece and a suspending switch. One end of the contacting pressing piece is embedded within the housing, and another end of which is formed with a cambered contacting plate. A pushing key is projected upwards from the center of the plate. An opening is located on the lower end of the housing to accommodate the suspending switch. The front end of suspending switch has a through hole for the rule, while the two sides have resisting portions for resisting against the protecting disk covers. When the rule is pulled, if the suspending switch is pushed, then the movement of the rule may be suspended effectively.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor for detecting the position of a movable body and operable under differential pressure comprises a cable drum for winding on and off a measuring cable, a spring for prestressing the cable drum to wind on the measuring cable and a rotary position sensor for detecting the position of the cable drum. The sensor has a differential pressure chamber which is under the differential pressure and in which a cable eye for connection of the cable to the movable body is arranged, a cable chamber in which the cable drum is arranged and a spring chamber in which the spring is arranged. The differential pressure chamber communicates at least with the cable chamber and the spring chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape rule with an elaborate buffer comprising a tape, a tape rule housing, and a buffer, wherein the buffer together with its buffer block and strut is formed as a whole piece and installed in the housing, and combined with the housing to form a gate in the opening making the tape able to pass therethrough either extending out of or retracting into the housing. During the retraction of the tape, a hook provided at the tip of the tape is detained by the buffer and backlashing forces are transmitted to the buffer. In this manner impact force is absorbed by the buffer to avert damaging the tape hook or even tearing the tape thereby protecting the accuracy of measurement and ensuring durability of the tape rule. Further to this, by virtue of buffer's whole piece structure, the manufacturing process and assembly procedure of the tape rule can be simplified thereby improving its productivity and minimizing production cost.

Abstract: A braking structure of a measuring tape comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a driving means and a braking wheel. Wherein the driving means includes a shaking shaft outside the front wall a rotary disk connected with the shaking rod, a fixing ring fixed on the outer wall of the front wall, a buckling wheel, a measuring tape, and a braking wheel. Characteristic in that a short shaft is projected from the side of the braking wheel, the short shaft and the periphery thereof are inserted into the measuring tape wheel so that the measuring tape wheel is resisted against the braking wheel to rotate. An inclined body inclined gradually is formed on the side of the braking wheel. A convex block is formed on the highest point of the inclined body, while another convex block is formed on the inclined body formed in the rear wall.

Abstract: A tape measure device with a measuring tape blade having a swiveling end assembly having a tape measure housing defining a chamber receiving a retractable tape blade of a tape measure. A tape blade attachment assembly is mounted to the tape blade and includes a support plate defining a cylindrical chamber, a slot leading to the cylindrical chamber, the slot also being provided with a recess adapted to receive an angular projection of a locking arm of the locking mechanism, a flexible arm mounted adjacent the slot and a recess on the other side of the flexible arm. The locking arm which is mounted in the slot has an angular projection on one side and a rounded projection on the opposite side from said angular projection which engages the flexible arm.

Abstract: A tape measure with innovated brake structure characterized in that the brake mechanism comprises a release key, a brake, and a stopper. The upper end of the brake is in connection with the release key, and an intermediate protrusion of the brake directly presses its upper end so as to control the stopper able to be tightly pressing the tape surface against a stop block provided thereunder. By the above described structure, the user may press the release key with a finger to retract the extended tape after measurement work has been completed. When the release key is released, the brake actuates the stopper to directly press the tape surface against the stop block thereby halting the tape therebetween and the braking function is thus performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape measure assembly having an internal deployment warning system therein. The device includes a substantially hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, an end wall and a front wall with a horizontal slot between the front wall and the bottom wall. A tape measure having a plurality of marking indicia thereon extends through the horizontal slot and is selectively retractable within and extendable from the housing interior using conventional means currently used in various tape measuring devices. A first magnet is attached to the bottom wall of the housing for securing the housing to a metallic surface. A second magnet is removably attached to the top wall of the housing and has a slit thereon for selectively receiving an L-shaped catch member at a first end of the tape measure.

Abstract: An error proof measuring tape rule for eliminating snagging on a work piece. The rule includes a tape rule, a hook affixed to the tape rule, and a one-piece spoon affixed to the tape rule. The upper surface of the body portion of the one-piece spoon is positioned on the lower surface of the free end of the tape rule, with the three throughbores in the body portion of the one-piece spoon aligned with three forwardmost throughbores of the four throughbores in the free end of the tape rule, and with the tail portion of the one-piece spoon extending upwardly through a rearmost throughbore of the four throughbores in the free end of the tape rule and rearwardly along the upper surface of the free end of the tape rule.

Abstract: A tape measure structure includes a tape, an enclosure, and a brake device which further includes a release key and a first and second brake shoes. By means of the above combination, the retraction motion of the tape can be controlled by the user through simply pressing the release key with his finger. It means that the user may pull out the tape to approximately estimated length he desires for measurement without worrying about that tape might automatically bounce back. Then, afterwards, he may press lightly the release key for retracting the tape gradually and stop pressing the release key as soon as the tape reaches to the accurately desired length, the tape will be halted there by the control effect of the brake device.

Abstract: A tape measure providing with an end hook fastened to a free end of a measuring tape with four rivets through two holes aligned on a longitudinal axis thereof and two holes disposed one on each side of an axial line segment between the shank portion and the catch portion. This fastening system provides toughness and long operation life of the measuring tape. The shank portion has an arcuated shape substantially similar to that of the measuring tape and can cover a substantially whole top surface of the tape end, providing the sufficient protection of the end of the measuring tape against a large shock force produced when the tape is recoiled.

Abstract: An improved structure for a tape measure includes a measuring tape, a tape measure framework, and a control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus includes a release key and a stopper. The withdrawal motion of the measuring tape can be performed by simply pressing the release key of the control apparatus with one of the user's fringer. Namely, when measuring length of an object, the user may pull out the measuring tape to a length slightly longer than the estimated value, and does not have to worry about the tape suddenly withdrawing automatically. When the tape is to be withdrawn, the user may presses lightly the release key of the control apparatus. The withdrawal of the tape may be halted by releasing the release key to actuate control function of the control apparatus.

Abstract: A fish tape reel and reversible lead device which includes a pistol-grip configuration which is ergonomically designed for ease, safety and convenience in pushing or pulling fish tape through conduit by utilizing only one hand. The reel comprises a counter device and spring steel cable storage mechanism so that the length of tape played out will be measured and efficiently rewound onto the receiving spool disposed within the reel.

Abstract: A strip-shaped, elastically flexible measurement strip for length measuring devices or angle measuring devices having a measurement scale is formed of two elastically flexible stripes which adhere to one another via a viscous intermediate film, the measurement scale being applied to one of these stripes.

Abstract: A measuring tape for measuring the distance between a first point and a second point. The tape has a flexible elongated blade with a tab fixed to free end of the blade for temporarily and removably hooking the free end of the blade to the first point. The tab extends in at least two directions transverse to a lengthwise edge of the blade at the free end of the blade. The blade has two sets of numbers imprinted thereon which correspond to units of measure. The first set of numbers is imprinted along a first lengthwise edge portion of the blade and is positioned on the blade such that the numbers are arranged in upright position one after the other and increase in value when read from the free end of the blade toward the fixed end of the blade.

Abstract: Method of making a two-sided fiberglass tape measure with two differently colored nylon resin coatings characterized particularly in that a device is used that can coat simultaneously both sides of a fiberglass tape, both top and bottom, in a single forming step, yet producing two different colorations.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.

Abstract: A sophisticated structure for a tape measure is disclosed having a measuring tape, a main body, and a brake apparatus, the brake apparatus including a plurality of acute teeth, a brake lever and two positioning pins. A user may pull out the tape with an estimated shortest measuring length which assures him of being free from the fear that the tape might wind up abruptly causing injury to the user. The tape measure also can be used to successively measure different lengths by increasing the tape length from the shortest to the longest. When winding up the tape, the user may further pull out a short section of the tape by hand, then tilt the main body in an axial direction to a certain angle and release the tape to perform the withdrawal operation.

Abstract: A measuring tape anchorage device can be secured to a ground surface or pavement surface to facilitate the taking of distance measurements, e.g. at automobile accident scenes or for surveying activities. The anchorage device includes an anchorage block having a swivel connection to the sub-surface, and two cylindrical mandrel elements spaced from one end of the anchorage block, so that a portion of the tape can be looped around one of the cylindrical elements and then curled over the other cylindrical element before extending away from the anchorage block. Pulling forces on the tape cause the cylindrical elements to be drawn together so as to increase the grip force of the cylindrical elements on the tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment process for covering top of the measuring tape, and both sides of the blank of the measuring tape are treated with sand blast, then cleansed and blown dried, and one side is coated with adhesive, dried up to optimum attaching state, and then aluminum-foil is stuck to the coating side on the blank, and both are rolled into a spool after passing by a set of roller for sending into the oven for drying. The spool is stretched to the coater for coating double-side adhesive, and the adhesive is dried to the optimum attaching state. Before coating, the aluminum-foil is printed with scale lines, and finally transparent polyester film is covered on both sides of the blank of the measuring tape which is passed by a set of roller for firmly pressing together with the blank and then sent into the oven for drying.

Abstract: An improvement for the structure of end hook for the tape measure consists of a U-shaped flexible elongated metal folder and a conventional end hook. The U-shaped flexible elongated metal folder, having a slim parallel gap which is slightly greater than the thickness of the metallic tape, sandwiches the tape therebetween at the outer end of the tape below the end hook. At the outer edge of the tape, there is a rectangular notch, whose depth is equal to or a little greater than the thickness of the end hook. The flexible elongated metal folder is longer than the end hook, with the closed end thereof engaging the said rectangular notch, so that there is an extended portion stretching beyond the inner end of the end hook. The conventional end hook is mounted on the said metal folder and the tape, overlapping with the metal folder and the tape, then all these three elements are riveted together. The extended portion of the metal floder without overlapping with the end hook is riveted with the tape only.

Abstract: An end hook for a power return tape measure includes a shank having a longitudinal axis and a catch extending from the shank at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The shank being arcuately shaped about the longitudinal axis, and has a plurality of rivet mounting holes, the mounting holes positioned on each side of the longitudinal axis and spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis. The fastening holes of the shank have a greater longitudinal spacing than mounting holes in a measuring tape so that movement of the end hook longitudinally toward an end edge of the free end of the measuring tape during a collision in power return causes the holes in the end hook nearest the end edge to contact the fasteners before the holes furthest from the end edge.

Abstract: A distance locating device or work length stop (120) for attachment to a machine tool apparatus (1) comprises an index (89) and a facility (85) for supporting a measuring tape (95)- The index (89) is situated to align with measurements on the tape (95) whereby the setting of a distance between the end (124) of a stopping member (120) and an edge of a saw blade attached to the apparatus can be read directly from the index (89).

Abstract: A power-driven tape measure including a case having a battery chamber, a circular chamber, and an outlet communicated with the circular chamber, a motor mounted within the case, a frame enclosing the motor, an annular reel fitted within the circular chamber of the case and enclosing the frame, the annular reel having two flanges and a circular groove between the two flanges, a switch mounted on the case and electrically connected with the battery chamber of the case, the switch connected with a spring-loaded press member tending to push against the external teeth of the annular reel, a tape wound on the groove of the annular reel and having an end extending out of the outlet of the case to engage a hook, the tape being slightly larger than the groove of the annular reel in width, a driving gear fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor and engaged with the internal teeth of the annular reel via a gear train, and a manual gear pivotally mounted on the frame and meshed with the internal teeth of the annu

Abstract: A banding material is disclosed for use as the band in a band clamp. The banding material is provided from a roll of banding material from which a length of the banding material corresponding to the length of the desired band is cut. The length of the band for the band clamp is determined by counting markings on the band which are related to the diameter of an object about which the band clamp is to be fitted. In a preferred embodiment, the markings are .pi. units, or fraction of .pi. units, apart where the diameter of the object is measured in the same units.

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 clapboard installation layout guide and method uses an elongate tape having two sets of indicia including a first plurality of "to the weather" indicia spaced apart at intervals approximately equal to the "to the weather" width of the clapboard and a second plurality of indicia including curved tracks with centers at corresponding ones of the first indicia and having a radius approximately equal to the full width of the clapboards; one of the first indicia on the tape is aligned with one boundary of an area to be laid out for installation; with one of the first indicia of the tape aligned with one of the boundaries, the tape is swung so that the first indicia just beyond the other boundary of the area is coincident with the other boundary; clapboards can then be applied to the area so that the upper edge of each of the clapboards is tangent to the successively higher ones of the second indicia until the area is covered including the installation of the starter clapboard of the next area to be covered.

Abstract: A reel dedicated to the layout of a baseball diamond includes a tape with an inner end reeled onto a reel body and an outer end attached to the reel body to form a loop of the tape. The loop has a length 2x+.sqroot.2x and has a first base marking at a distance x from the outer end, a second base marking at a distance 2x from the outer end, a third base marking at a distance x+.sqroot.2x from the outer end and a pitcher's plate marking at a distance of y from the inner end. x is equal to the required distance between bases. y is equal to the distance of the pitcher's plate from home base. The loop is pulled out into a first triangle from first base to second base and back to home plate and then in a second triangle from home plate to first base and to third base to accurately lay out the positions of pegs.

Abstract: A locking and measuring device which includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first spaced end wall and a second spaced end wall, with a first opening in the first spaced end wall, and a second opening in the top wall, an extendable length of substantially strong and durable, yet bendable material having a terminal end, the length of material being normally, retractably stored in the housing with the terminal end at all times exteriorly accessible of the first opening; the terminal end of the length of material includes a locking end zone to be inserted into the second opening wherein it is matingly received and releasably captivated until released; along the length of material graduated indicia are provided defining a measuring scale.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the angle A of flexure of a joint between longitudinal axes of adjacent, jointed body parts includes first and second coupling mechanisms for fixture respectively to the first and second body parts. Each of the coupling mechanisms is fixed to its respective body part at a specified distance from the joint being measured. The apparatus further includes a measuring device for generating a signal representative of the direct, linear distance between the coupling mechanisms as the joint passes through a range of motion. A computing device operates in response to the signal generated by the measuring device to determine the angle A in accordance with the law of cosines. An advantage of the apparatus is that it is significantly tolerant of improper placement of the coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling the displacement of a steerable driven trailing machine with respect to a leading machine by measuring the separation between the machines and inputting such measurement to the trailing machine drive control, and measuring the angular disposition of the trailing machine and inputting the steering control of the trailing machine.

Abstract: A linear scale measuring device of the absolute type capable of exhibiting high resolution and accomplishing the measuring operation with high accuracy. In the device, A cycle of indented lines for increment data is set to be twice as large as that of indented lines for absolute data. Also provided is an absolute data detection section which detects absolute data values corresponding to the indented lines, and a data converter which converts an output of the absolute data detection section into a digital signal. An operation section which includes a computing element adds either +1 to -1 to the digital signal output from the data converter, or does not add to the digital signal, in accordance with an output signal from an interpolation section.

Abstract: A digital linear measuring device includes a housing, a reel located within a housing and a measuring tape wound on the reel. The measuring tape is extendable through an opening in the housing as the reel is rotated. An incremental measuring means is associated with the reel for generating incremental measuring data and an absolute measuring means cooperates with the measuring tape for generating absolute measurement data as the measuring tape is extended. A processing unit is responsive to both the incremental measurement data and to the absolute measurement data for generating output reflecting linear extension of the measuring tape from the housing, and a display is responsive to the processing unit for displaying information reflecting the linear extension of the measuring tape from the housing.

Abstract: The measuring tape includes a measuring scale on both sides of the metal tape. The upper surface of the tape is scaled from zero to a number equal to the length of the tape, and the underside of the tape is scaled from the length of the tape of a measurement equal to twice the length of the tape. Thus, the tape can be used to measure a distance equal to twice its length.

Abstract: A measuring device in which a flexible steel measuring tape is wound around a spool within a housing. A motor-powered sprocket wheel has teeth engaged with openings spaced along the tape for extending the tape out of the housing. A separate electric motor is connected to the spool for drawing the tape back into the housing and onto the spool. A manual operator is connected with two switches for controlling the two motors.

Abstract: A digital linear measuring device includes a housing, a reel located within a housing and a measuring tape wound on the reel. The measuring tape is extendable through an opening in the housing as the reel is rotated. An incremental measuring means is associated with the reel for generating incremental measuring data and an absolute measuring means cooperates with the measuring tape for generating absolute measurement data as the measuring tape is extended. A processing unit is responsive to both the incremental measurement data and to the absolute measurement data for generating output reflecting linear extension of the measuring tape from the housing, and a display is responsive to the processing unit for displaying information reflecting the linear extension of the measuring tape from the housing.

Abstract: A floating end hook for a measuring tape is disclosed which defines two openings for receipt of first and second rivets for attachment of the end hook to the measuring tape. The openings lie on an axis parallel to an inside surface of an abutting member of the end hook. The positioning of the openings allows the force produced when the end hook impacts the measuring tape housing to be approximately evenly distributed between the first and second rivets. A third opening for receipt of a third rivet may be located on the end hook a predetermined distance from the axis on which the other two openings lie. The third opening prevents the end hook from twisting and further ensures that the impacting force is evenly distributed between the first and second rivets.

Abstract: A power returnable tape rule has an improved connection between the outer end of the power spring and the inner end of the coilable rule blade provided by interengaging element thereon. The rule blade has an elongated aperture adjacent its inner end with the margins of the blade defining the aperture including opposed inwardly extending finger portions. The tongue is configured with spaced transversely extending shoulders facing in opposite directions, and it extends along the upper surface of the rule, downwardly into the aperture under the fingers and upwardly from the aperture and forwardly thereof along the upper surface of the rule blade. The shoulders on the tongue of the spring abut the margins of the aperture adjacent the finger portions in either direction of relative longitudinal movement to limit such movement and retain the two elements in assembly.

Abstract: A spring powered coilable rule has a coilable metal tape with a tape hook at the end thereof. The tape hook has an elongated body portion extending along the surface of the tape a length greater than the width of the tape and a depending leg portion which has an upper end dimensioned and configured to overlie the outer edge of the tape in its uncoiled state. The body portion tapers in width from the leg portion to a reduced width, and at least three rivets are spaced axially along the length of the body portion to secure the tape hook to the tape.

Abstract: A garment measuring system uses several sections which act in concert to provide accurate physical dimensions of the person for whom a garment is to custom made. The several sections have integral measuring calibrations which allow the direct taking of appropriate measurements while affording the person the opportunity to see how the garment to be produced will actually look and feel.

Abstract: An outer tubular envelope for covering an elongated inserting portion of an inserting apparatus such as, for example, an endoscope. A plurality of strands are braided into the form of a tube. At least one of the strands is different in color from the remaining strands and is woven thereinto so as to extend helically at a constant pitch.

Abstract: This process of forming ornamental joints comprises sticking a sheet flooring material onto a floor base, thereafter drawing two parallel standard lines on this stuck sheet flooring material with a desired outline and an interval corresponding to the width of the joint, sliding a cutter on the sheet flooring material along this standard line thereby to draw two parallel cuts on this flooring material, stripping the sheet flooring material between these cuts to thereby form a joint-forming grooved portion provided with a masking along side edges of stuck sheet flooring material and charging this grooved portion with a joint material. This process permits to obtain various patterned ornamental joints.