Abstract: A flexible measuring ruler includes a flexible ruler body and a measuring device, a conductive layer is disposed on the flexible ruler body, which regularly arranged along a length of the flexible ruler body, a linear resistance of the conductive layer changes regularly along the length of the flexible ruler body; the measuring device includes a data collector and a date processor, the data collector includes a resistance measuring circuit including positive and negative probes, when measuring with the flexible ruler body, the data processor converts a resistance value measured by the data collector into a length value based on a variation rule of the linear resistance of the conductive layer along the length direction of the flexible ruler body. The flexible measuring ruler has a simple structure principle, easy operation and high measurement accuracy.

Abstract: A measuring tape for emitting a novelty sound includes a housing having a incrementally marked tape operably wound therein, a first end of the tape secured to an inner housing part with biasing member, an intermediate portion being wound about itself, and a second end extending outside a slot in the housing and includes an angled member to maintain the second end from reentering the housing, an activation device, a speaker operably disposed on the housing, an electronic device operably disposed in the housing and is configured for receiving and/or storing an audio data signal, the electronic device is responsive to the activation device and operably connected thereto, the electronic device for providing the received and/or stored audio data signal to the audio speaker operably connected to the housing, and a power source operably connected to the electronic device and the speaker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring surface dimensions of an object, comprising an elongate flexible material piece, which is supported on a roller in such a way that the material piece can be unwound and on the end of which a probe is provided, wherein the roller is connected to a base of the device in such a way that the roller can be rotated about a vertical axis, and wherein two sensors are provided, by means of which the unwound length of the material piece and the angle of the roller with respect to the base can be detected, wherein the base consists of a planar bottom plate and the roller is arranged on the side facing away from the contact surface of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A device having a self-winding element is described. The self-winding element is built on a flexible membrane; it has an extended form and a retracted form. Stiffness in the extended form may be provided using membrane curvature, or a retractable support member may be used, or both. Transitions between the extended form and the retracted form are preferably accomplished using sequential activation of tensile members that are configured in segments of the membrane. Activation of the tensile elements is preferably implemented using a processor or controller that activates tri-state drivers in a predetermined sequence in order to pass a current through each element when heating is desired. A preferred material used for the tensile elements is thin film NITINOL.

Abstract: A tape measure with a dial for storing a particular measurement value is provided. The present invention consists of a housing containing an extensible and retractable roll of measuring tape and a dial disposed on the outer face of the housing. The dial is used to store a measured value so that it can be remembered at a later time. Worksites are often noisy places filled with distractions, making it very easy to forget or misremember a measurement. When an individual forgets a measurement they are forced to either guess at the measurement value, potentially resulting in wasted materials and money, or re-measure the article, wasting valuable time. The present tape measure circumvents these problems by providing an easy and intuitive means for storing a numeric value while measuring so that it can be used for later without the user having to risk misremembering the value.

Abstract: The invention relates to the simple and low-cost production of an electronic measuring tape (10) comprising an external housing (12) provided with a tape exit opening (14), a tape winding-up device (20), a tape (30) which is wound up in the tape winding-up device (20) and is withdrawable from the external housing (12) through the tape exit opening (14), wherein said tape is provided with first and second surfaces. A radiation source (50) is arranged between the tape exit opening (14) and the tape winding-up device (20) for sending a beam to the first surface of the tape (30). A detecting device (60) is placed at the side of the second surface of the tape (30) for receiving the beam and transmitting data representing the received radiation to an evaluation device (70) for determining, from these data, the length of the tape (30) extracted through the tape exit opening (14).

Abstract: The invention comprises a device, about the size of an iPod, this battery-powered device measures distances via an extremely thin wire. The head of the device extends out on a retractable wire. There are no measurements printed on the wire, the distance is calculated and displayed on a very bright, large LED or other type screen. As the wire is extended, a microprocessor calculates the distance and displays it on its screen. Measurements can be viewed (as decimal or fractions), saved and recalled. Mathematical calculations (listed below) can also be performed.

Abstract: A compact, easy-to-carry multi-function tape measure to perform a variety of different jobs at home or in the field and ideally suited for use by carpenters, contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and the like. The tape measure includes a housing in which the usual pull-out measuring tape is carried. A retaining lip projects outwardly from the top of the housing. The housing has a graduated straight edge that is aligned perpendicular with the retaining lip. In use, the housing is laid on its side such that the outwardly projecting retaining lip overhangs and moves into interlocking engagement with a work surface to be cut. At the same time, the straight edge of the housing lies against the work surface to create a guide along which a marking instrument is moved for marking a cutting line on the work surface.

Abstract: A cable length sensor, in particular, a bowden cable displacement sensor, comprising a cable drum, a measuring cable wound on the cable drum and a return device at least lightly pre-tensioned in the start position, wherein the measuring cable may be withdrawn by rotating the cable drum against the force of the return device and by withdrawing the measuring cable the return device may be further tensioned. The return device is arranged in a housing, and coupling means for releasably coupling the return device to the rotating movement of the cable drum are provided so as to permit ready removal and replacement of the return device. Also, the housing may be provided with a sensor element operated from outside the housing for determining the current position of the return device, in particular the at least lightly tensioned starting position of the return device.

Abstract: An electronic measuring tape that includes a roller onto which the measuring tape is arranged to be wound up onto and wound out from through the roller being rotated, a first end of the measuring tape is attached in the roller, and where the roller is located inside a housing. A rolled up measuring tape is arranged in loops on the roller. All loops are in direct contact with the surface of the roller, an angle sensor is arranged at the roller to record an angle of rotation during rotation of the roller. An electronic circuit converts the angle of rotation into a length that corresponds to the length by which the measuring tape has been withdrawn from the housing, and the measuring tape records absolute values.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a measuring tape for measuring purposes, a detecting device coupled to the measuring tape for measuring a moving distance of the measuring tape relative to the detecting device, a processing device coupled to the detecting device for calculating a value detected by the detecting device into a digital output, a displayer coupled to the processing device for displaying the digital output corresponding to the moving distance of the measuring tape relative to the detecting device, and a driver device coupled to the displayer for actuating the displayer to display the digital output and for allowing the work pieces or objects to be easily and quickly measured by the users.

Abstract: A device for detecting a relative movement between two machine parts movable relative to one another has a plurality of marking rulers arranged on one of the machine parts one after the other in direction of the relative movement of the machine parts and having increment markings for detecting a distance of a relative movement of the both machine parts, two sensors for sensing of the marking rulers and arranged on the other of the machine parts at the predetermined distance in the direction of relative movement of the machine parts, the sensors sensing the increment markings and each providing a sensing signal; the marking rulers being arranged so that distances between two neighboring ones of the marking rulers being smaller than the predetermined distance between the sensors, an evaluating unit operative for determining an absolute position of the corresponding sensor between two successive increment markings based on a phase position of the sensing signal of the sensors.

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 tape measure includes a housing containing a measuring line, a rotatable measuring drum in engagement with the measuring line so that movement of the measuring line causes rotation of the measuring drum, and a rotatable disc coupled with the measuring drum for rotating simultaneously with the measuring drum. The digital tape measure includes an optical sensor in communication with the rotatable disk for compiling data related to rotation of the disk, and electronic circuitry in communication with the optical sensor for processing the compiled data so as to calculate a length of the measuring line drawn from the housing.

Abstract: A device for measuring the length of a linear movement using a rotary potentiometer improves measuring accuracy, measurement deterioration for a long-period usage and miniaturization. The device in includes a regular winding mechanism, forming a single layer of wire, constructed of a screw feeding mechanism stored in a housing to axially move the drum when rotating, and the d m converts a linear displacement into a rotational displacement with the wire. Moreover, the wire on the drum is located so as to have a constant radius from the center of rotation. The screw feeding mechanism is constructed in such a manner that the drum is axially moved by the distance corresponding to one pitch of the regularly wound wire in every revolution of the drum, so that winding and unwinding of the wire can be performed at the same position of the housing all the time, thereby avoiding disarrangement of wound the drum causing a deterioration in an accuracy.

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.

Abstract: An electronic tape rule comprising a housing, in which reside a steel tape that can be extended from the housing, a reading system that measures the extent of tape extension, and a sound play circuit that gives a read-out of the result of measurement. When the steel tape is extended from the housing, the reading system measures the extent of tape extension and passes this information to the sound play circuit to report the result of measurement for the convenience of users, especially when the measurement is operated in a dark environment.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor includes a housing accommodating a rotatable cable drum for winding a measuring cable on to and off same, and a spring for urging the cable drum in the winding-on direction. A rotary angle sensor is operatively associated with the cable drum. The housing at least partially includes a straight profile portion which is of uniform cross-section in its longitudinal direction. The spring can also be disposed in a spring casing portion substantially including a straight profile portion of uniform cross-section in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel is provided with a line having conductive portions spaced at regular axial intervals. A conductive sensor is mounted to the rod along the line's path. A counter is connected to the conductive sensors to count the number of conductive portions that pass by the sensors and complete a circuit therewith. Based on the number of counts and the length of the interval between the conductive portions, the overall length of line that is unwound from the real, that is, passes by the sensors, is calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A restraining assembly for use in conjunction with a linear transducer. The restraining assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart magnets positioned on a stationary frame, where the magnets provide a reverse torque and restrict excessive rotational speed on a spool when a copper disc or equivalent magnetic flux medium is rotated at a close proximity to the face of the magnets. When a cable is suddenly released and allowed to freely return on the rotating spool, the restraining assembly restrains the high rotational speed at which the cable can accelerate when returning or retracting to the spool, such that the restraining assembly prevents the cable from self-destruction and/or damage to the linear transducer.

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: An electronic linear tape measure using a low power induced current position transducer. The tape measure includes an enclosure case with a lateral slot through which the tape blade can be pulled. The tape blade is wound inside the enclosure case on a tape reel which is mounted on an axis support that has a spring loaded rewind mechanism. Also included are a tape lock, a keypad for various functions, and a conventional LCD display for displaying measured lengths. The signal processing and display electronics of the electronic tape measure are connected to the active portion of the transducer. The display provides an indication of the relative position between the elements of the transducer that coincides with the length of tape that has been pulled from the enclosure case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring cord displacement transducer. A sealed measuring cord displacement transducer is proposed which has a measuring cord, a cord drum, a flat spiral spring which, with the cord drum, is arranged coaxially in a rotationally fixed manner on the same shaft, having a rotary encoder connected to the shaft and a housing surrounding the displacement transducer with a mechanical interior and an electrical interior which are separate and spaced apart axially in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, so that the cord drum and the flat spiral spring can be accommodated in the mechanical interior and the rotary encoder and the associated electronics can be accommodated in the electrical interior. In this case, the housing of the mechanical interior is formed by two shell-like, respectively one-piece bearing shells.

Abstract: This invention discloses a digital length gauge having an accuracy of about 0.01 mm. The digital length gauge includes a metal tape having a series of uniformly sized and spaced holes positioned along a common center line of the tape. As the tape is extracted and retracted from the length gauge housing, the holes engage pins positioned on a sprocket such that the sprocket will rotate causing an optical encoder to rotate along the same axis. The optical encoder produces optical pulses to provide the desired accuracy. The length gauge further includes a braking mechanism, an indexing mechanism and a drive motor. The braking mechanism prevents the reel on which the tape is wound from rotating in its normal mode. A braking arm and motor switch are configured relative to each other such that the braking arm has to deactivate the braking mechanism prior to the motor switch activating the drive motor. An indexing arm enables the reel to be incremented when the braking mechanism is activated.

Abstract: This invention discloses a digital display tape measure having an accuracy of about 0.01 mm. The digital display tape measure includes a metal tape having a series of uniformly sized and spaced holes positioned along a common center line of the tape. As the tape is extracted and retracted from the tape measure housing, the holes engage pins positioned on a sprocket such that the sprocket will rotate causing an optical encoder to rotate along the same axis. The optical encoder produces optical pulses to provide the desired accuracy. The tape measure further includes a braking mechanism, an indexing mechanism and a drive motor. The braking mechanism prevents the reel on which the tape is wound from rotating in its normal mode. A braking arm and motor switch are configured relative to each other such that the braking arm has to deactivate the braking mechanism prior to the motor switch activating the drive motor. The indexing arm enables the reel to be incremented when the braking mechanism is activated.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention features a yardage measuring device for determining the position of the ball on the field after each play, or down, in a football game. The device locks the chain at any given amount of advancement and a see-through window represents the exact distance from the nose of the ball to the nearest yardline. An alternate embodiment can be used as a replacement for the standard 10 yard chain.

Abstract: A digital tape measure comprising a tape stored in a case when it is not used and drawn out of an aperture of the case when it is used and onto which a plurality of detection marks are affixed at equivalent interval, a detector of detecting the detection marks by photoelectric transfer elements, a counter of counting the detected signal being output from the detector corresponding to the volume of movement of the tape, a display of displaying the result counted by the counter, and in which a length of each detection mark is established to be a length twice as long as the minimum scale of the tape, the distance between each detection mark is established to be equivalent to the length of each detection mark in the direction of measurement, and the detector comprises two photoelectric transfer elements arranged at the phase difference of 90.degree. and a discriminator of discriminating the output signal from the photoelectric transfer elements.

Abstract: A measuring tape includes a distance recorder on the side of the tape body and is capable of recording information in feet, inches, and 1/16 inches. Three separate finger-controlled slide, indicator buttons are provided for each of the three distance scales. The slide indicators may be arranged linearly or concentrically.