Abstract: When extending the leader or tape from a traditional tape measure over a large distance, a user situated away from the body of the tape measure is unable to determine the length that has been extended at the leading edge. Presented herein is a retractable measuring device in which the body of the measuring device is configured to compute and broadcast the amount of tape that has been withdrawn from the body to a receiver. The receiver may be located at the leading edge of the tape or comprise a secondary device such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the broadcast may include tactile, audible, or visual feedback relating to the distance that may be received directly by the user. Additionally, the retractable device may include an interface for setting a desired length and provide either the user or receiver with feedback when the desired length has been reached.

Abstract: A system for obtaining spatial measurements between objects such as crops in an agricultural field. The system includes a measurement device including a motorized reel containing a wound length of measuring line, and electronic encoder with shaft rotated in opposing directions by dispensing or retrieving measuring line. A pivotably movable spring-biased tension arm maintains tension in the line when being rewound. The tension arm is responsive to changes in line tension and configured to automatically start the motor to rewind the line onto the reel based on angular position of the arm. A gear train includes a translatable shuttle gear which selectively couples the reel to the motor based on movement of the tension arm. The encoder converts rotary motion of its shaft into linear field measurements. In one implementation, the tension arm comprises an inboard arm and outboard arm with translatable pulley coupled thereto by an articulated joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for using a digital measuring device to install a structure. For example, the system can be used to install hurricane shutters over a window or door of a dwelling. Alternatively, the system can be used to install decorative shutters, shelving, or window treatments. Other example will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The present system is beneficial in any situation where taking accurate measurements is critical to the proper installation of a structure. The system employs a digital measuring device that wirelessly communicates with a mobile computing device. In one embodiment, the measuring device is a tape measure and the mobile computing device is a phone or table computer. The mobile computing device is preferably used to demonstrate to the user what measurements need to be taken. After the user takes the required measurements, the accuracy and sufficiency of the measurements are thereafter confirmed via the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A digital workpiece measurement system and method for intelligent measurements measures the length, angles, and characteristics of a workpiece, and then automatically displays the measurement and the other identifying measurement related data in a digital, incrementally adjustable manner. The workpiece measurement system provides a flexible measuring tape and micrometer head that electronically measures the distance between a starting measuring point and an ending measuring point. The short point, long point, square cut angle, and characteristics of the workpiece are inputted into the system. Various functions controlled by short, long, and square check switch mechanisms allow for manually inputting the measurements, incrementally editing the measurements, identifying the short point, long point, and square edges of the workpiece, and transmit the measurements and other data to a remote data storage unit for future processing and measurement analysis.

Abstract: A tape rule assembly includes differential spring-drive systems for rotating a reel of tape through an angular distance different from the angular distance traveled by a hub carrying a wound spring, relative to the tape rule housing. The differential spring drive systems include planetary and cycloidal drive systems. The tape rules of the present invention are thus made more compact than conventional tape rules.

Abstract: A fully automated, sensor driven catch system for a livestock squeeze chute includes an elongated sensor support member mounted on the upper end of the squeeze chute which has first, second, third and fourth sensors mounted thereof. A fifth sensor is built into one of the head gate hydraulic cylinders. A sixth sensor is built into the hydraulic cylinder for controlling the side squeeze panels of the chute. A seventh sensor is built into one of the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the tail gate hydraulic cylinders. The sensors are connected to a control module which is connected to a hydraulic valve module. The sensors send signals to the control module which controls the hydraulic cylinder of the tail gate assembly, the side squeeze panels and the head gate assembly. The sensors sense the movement of the animal as it passes through the chute which in turn controls the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator with a sensor mounted on the actuator cylinder for determining the position of the actuator. The arrangement comprises a hydraulic actuator which includes a cylinder having a bore in which a piston is slidably mounted for movement along the cylinder to extend and retract the hydraulic actuator. The cylinder has a side wall and a cylinder aperture extending through the side wall. A wire actuated encoder is mounted on the external surface of the cylinder, which has a wire which extends through the cylinder aperture and is attached to the piston for determining a stroke position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: In order to arrange a sensor unit completely in an interior e.g. of a cylinder of a piston cylinder unit and in order to be able to use a tension element sensor as a sensor the sensor unit is configured so that it includes a pressure tight wall through which a magnetic field sensitive sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field of an encoder magnet that moves on another side of the pressure tight wall and represents a rotational position and rotations of the winding drum whereas a housing of the sensor unit is sealed relative to an interior of the cylinder so that the sensor cavity in which the sensor is arranged represents a low pressure cavity which is advantageously only subjected to ambient pressure. This avoids hollow boring of the piston rod and no magnetic field permeable window has to be fabricated in a wall or in a base of the cylinder.

Abstract: A Bluetooth-enabled tape measuring system, a cooperating mobile or desktop application, and a method for using same. A tape measure with retractable tape stores each measurement taken and transmits the measurement to a computing device for automatic recordation and association, with the object of the measurement, which can be a user-input floor plan or the like. A software solution at the computing device is capable of planning necessary measurements, receiving transmitted measurements from the tape measure, and automatically associating received measurements with the user-input characteristics. The system may also direct the user to make certain measurements based on a user-stated project.

Abstract: A measuring device for providing a portable and easy-to-use electronic measuring device. The measuring device generally includes a housing which includes a locking member, a reel member, a sensing assembly and control unit. A length of string is wound around the reel member, which is secured within the housing in a manner which allows the string to be retracted around the reel member absent outside force. As the string is dispensed through a string opening on the housing, a sensor wheel having a plurality of counting indicia will be rotated underneath one or more sensing members, which act to calculate the distance of string which has been dispensed. This data is communicated to a control unit, which causes the relevant information to be shown on a display on the housing. The locking member may be utilized to stop the string from being dispensed after the requisite length has been dispensed.

Abstract: A device, a method and a guiding device for setting out contours, points or works, including a computer-controlled measuring device provided with a movable measuring probe and a portable base unit provided with a rotatably supported elongate arm. The measuring probe is connected to the measuring device by means of a cord or a wire via the elongate arm, and the measuring device is provided with sensors for measuring a length or a change in the length of the cord or the wire and rotation of the arm in at least one degree of freedom for providing position data of the measuring probe.

Abstract: A measuring device measures distances via a thin retractable wire with a removable head. 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. The digital measuring device comprises a housing, a very thin extendable wire, cable or tape, a rotating spool, (from which the wire extends then automatically retracts to), a sensor which measures the amount of wire extended, a microprocessor, a tiny flash drive or other type of memory storage, a microphone/speaker, a large (size of unit) mono or duo chromatic or other type of display screen (LED) and a few buttons and/or a menu driven interface which control functionally. A plurality of removable heads may be attached to the wire for performing different measuring functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting parts in a tape and reel packaging system in which a plurality of parts are packaged on linear tape wound onto a reel. The apparatus includes a measuring device, and a meter body. The meter body includes electronic means for calculating and displaying a quantity of parts in the tape and reel packaging system. The calculation is based on inputs supplied by a user employing the measuring device. In an embodiment, the apparatus is portable and configured to be hand-held.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tape measure having a tape, housing, and an input, has an OLED strip overlaid on top of the tape. The housing contains a programmable controller and a rolled-up portion of the tape. A specified fraction of the length of the linear target is provided to the controller using the input. The tape may be extracted from the housing to generate an exposed portion of the tape corresponding to the total length of a linear target. The controller receives information indicative of the total length of the linear target. The controller controls the OLED strip to show, i.e., light up along the tape, a fractional portion corresponding to the specified fraction of the linear target.

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: In one embodiment, a tape measure having a tape, housing, and an input, has an OLED strip overlaid on top of the tape. The housing contains a programmable controller and a rolled-up portion of the tape. A specified fraction of the length of the linear target is provided to the controller using the input. The tape may be extracted from the housing to generate an exposed portion of the tape corresponding to the total length of a linear target. The controller receives information indicative of the total length of the linear target. The controller controls the OLED strip to show, i.e., light up along the tape, a fractional portion corresponding to the specified fraction of the linear target.

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 bar-coded ruler (Sierra RapidScan Ruler) and a mobile computer application system (Sierra DigiTally) are developed to efficiently measure and capture dimension, type, quality, and quantity data of objects with three dimensional measurements, particularly of lumber and similar products. The ruler contains bar codes for measuring and inputting related data. The ruler and the system are mobile and they are carried to field of operation for capturing data electronically. Collected data may be transmitted to another computer by cabled or wireless connection.

Abstract: A system for measuring and cutting includes a portable measuring unit and a cutting unit. The measuring unit includes a transmitter and a measuring processor in communication with the transmitter. The measuring unit includes a first retractable tape measure having a first variable resistance wire and a sensor, the measuring processor having programming for determining first distance data and for transmitting that data. The cutting unit includes a saw and a receiver for receiving the first distance data transmitted from the measuring unit. The cutting unit includes a second tape measure with a second variable resistance wire, sensor, and processor for determining a second distance. When the second distance measurement is equal to the first distance measurement, an indicator is actuated so the user knows to actuate the saw to cut the workpiece. The system, therefore, eliminates inaccurate measurements and the need to remember or record measurements.

Abstract: A pivoting cable extension arm (2) has a pivot sensor (3). The extension arm is mounted on a swivel frame (4) having a swivel sensor (5). The swivel frame has two tangent sheaves (4A, 4C) that allow a wide pivot range of the extension arm. A cable take-up drum (6) has a range sensor (7) for sensing the length of cable (1) extending from the drum. The three-sensors (3, 5, 7) provide data for computing 3D coordinates of the end of the cable (1) over a wide range of space surrounding the assembly. This allows an object to be measured and modeled in three dimensions by touching the cable end to points on the object and acquiring spatial coordinates of the points.

Abstract: Disclosed methods and systems feature a portable device for wirelessly receiving a measurement of an object and transmitting the measurement and an object identifier. The device includes two communication modules and a memory. The first communication module receives a first wireless signal that corresponds to the measurement of the object. The memory stores the measurement derived from the first wireless signal in association with the object identifier. The second communication module transmits a second wireless signal that corresponds to the measurement and the objection identifier.

Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the piston displacement. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool, under tension, coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. A lead screw engages threads on the spool, and translates linearly when the spool rotates. A non-contacting electromechanical transducer senses the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other transducer. A high-pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector. A piston stop prevents the piston from damaging the sensor.

Abstract: A position sensor includes a stationary frame supporting a rotatable spool onto which a cable is wound in a plurality of individual windings. A distal end of the cable extends through a lead guide for attachment to an object whose position is desired to be sensed. As the object moves, the cable is would or unwound about the spool and the spool rotates in direct correlation to the movement of the object. The spool is retained in the frame through a threaded engagement between a threaded extension extending from the spool and a threaded opening in the frame. Thus, as the spool rotates, the spool travels along a linear path and a sensor determines the location of the threaded extension to determine the location of the object. A recoil spring is used which may be located within the spool itself.

Abstract: An electronic measuring instrument includes a housing, a storage spool rotatably mounted to the housing, and a thin, flexible line provided on the storage spool and extendible from the housing for measuring distances. The storage spool is rotatable in a first direction for unwinding the line from the storage spool and a second direction for winding the line onto the storage spool. The instrument includes a rotatable drum in engagement with said line so that movement of said line causes movement of said rotatable drum.

Abstract: A digital measuring instrument includes a housing containing a measuring line, a rotatable drum engaging the line whereby movement of the line causes rotation of the drum, a storage spool mounted in the housing for storing the line, a crank assembly for rotating the storage spool for winding the measuring line about the storage spool, and a rotatable disc that rotates simultaneously with the measuring drum. The instrument 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 calculating a length of the line drawn from the housing. The housing has a well for receiving the storage spool and a side cover with a slideable lock for covering the well.

Abstract: A measuring device including a moveable measuring probe and sensors coupled to the measuring probe for providing position data of the measuring probe. The measuring probe is coupled, by a cord or a wire, to a first sensor for measuring a length or change in length of the cord or wire, and to a second sensor for measuring an angle or angular displacement of the cord or the wire. The obtained position data can be graphically represented and/or used for driving an automatic machining apparatus for producing a product corresponding to the measured data.

Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the piston displacement. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool, under tension, coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. A lead screw engages threads on the spool, and translates linearly when the spool rotates. A non-contacting electromechanical transducer senses the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other transducer. A high-pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector. A piston stop prevents the piston from damaging the sensor.

Abstract: A measuring device having a tape for taking angle and length measurements, tnd capable of providing a user discernible indication of the angular orientation of its tape relative in any given extended measuring state relative to a predetermined orientation, for example, the horizontal. The measuring device preferably is capable of reading out one or more measurements associated with any given extended measuring state, and transmitting them to a remote device. The measuring device preferably has one or more finger depressible soft feature keys each programmable with a user specified function downloaded from a host computer.

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 measuring cable travel sensor comprises a housing accommodating a measuring cable drum and a rotary spring operable to urge the cable drum in the direction of winding thereon a measuring cable. A rotary angle sensor is mounted to the housing on the outside thereof. The rotary angle sensor has a sensor shaft with a projecting end trunnion portion. The cable drum is fixed on the sensor shaft trunnion portion non-rotatably in concentric relationship thereon. The travel sensor is of a compact structure, in particular in its axial direction, and simple and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston utilizing a non-contacting electromechanical transducer. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the displacement of the cylinder piston. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. The spool is under tension from a spring coupled to the spool. A lead screw engages threads on the interior of the spool, and translates along an axis when the spool rotates. A transducer is disposed to sense the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other non-contacting 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: A powered reel-type tape measuring device that has a reel of flexible metal measuring tape rotatably mounted on a shaft in a housing with measuring indicia on the tape. An electric powered motor is coupled to a flexible drive roller for pulling the tape from the housing and to the reel itself for pulling the tape into the housing and rewinding it on the reel. A switch having first and second contacts is operatively coupled to the electric power device for energizing the power-driven device to selectively rotate the flexible roller to pull the tape in a forward direction out of the housing with activation of the first switch contact and to drive the reel to pull the tape into the housing for rewinding when the switch is activated in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for measuring length or angles, in which method use is made of a tape-shaped transmitter element (1) which is provided with markings and is designed to be pulled out of and pushed into a housing (6), easing or the like, the latter being provided with at least one sensor (4, 5) for detecting the markings on the transmitter element, and with an electronics unit (33) for converting signals from the sensor into length measurements or angle measurements.

Abstract: A measuring device having, in one embodiment, two measuring tapes held on separate reels in a housing. The housing has two windows for displaying measurement indicia appearing on each tape. Alternatively, electronic digital displays are used to show the measurements. The tapes are spring biased toward the fully wound condition. Each tape has a button controlled clutch locking each respective tape in an extended condition. In a preferred application, a user draws a first tape around her torso just below the breasts, connects the tape to the end of the second tape at the housing, and locks this tape when taut. The device is moved upwardly, now encircling the breasts also, and the second tape is extended to accommodate the additional girth. The second clutch locks the second tape in position. The device is removed from the user's body, and sizes displayed in the windows are read. The first tape measures and indicates rib cage girth, and the second tape converts the additional measurement to cup sizes.

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 combined tape measure and calculator is arranged with equally spaced holes along the length of its tape. The holes are read by a number of closely spaced optical readers arranged to generate incremental unit signals for a microprocessor mounted in a case of the tape measure.

Abstract: A tape measure device includes a belt tape member made of a flexible material. A cursor is slidably supported for movement on and along the belt tape member. The cursor includes a housing and an encoder which includes a relative displacement sensor for detecting a relative displacement value between the belt tape member and the cursor. The displacement sensor includes a first electrode made of a conductive ink and printed at predetermined and spaced intervals on and along the belt tape member. The conductive ink first electrode printed on the belt tape member is protectively coated by an electrically nonconductive insulative membrane. A second electrode is provided on the cursor and opposes the first electrode and the insulation membrane. A circuit is provided for creating an electrical capacitance value between the first and second electrodes and for issuing signals in response to a change of electrical capacitance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A fishing line length measuring device to determine the let out or wound up amount of the fishing line based on the number of spool revolutions. The device has a reel, a spool rotatably supported by the reel where the fishing line is wound up, a sensor to detect the revolutions of the spool, an up/down counter to count up or down the pulse signals output from the sensor, a storage means which receives and holds the count values obtained at the up/down counter when the counter counts actual number of spool revolutions during winding or unwinding the fishing line for specified lengths from a certain reference point set on the fishing line, an operation means to determine the line length using the line length formula obtained corresponding to the numbers of spool revolutions for the specified lengths and these actual numbers of revolutions, and an indication unit to indicate the line length determined by the operation means.

Abstract: A fishing line meter optically measures the length of the fishing line. Dye marks are formed on the fishing line at predetermined increments. As the line is cast out or reeled in, the dye marks are detected by the optical sensor. The optical sensor is operatively connected to a circuit which maintains a count indicative of the length of the fishing line. The count is displayed on a LED display.

Abstract: A distance measuring device measures distance by optically measuring the length of a flexible member, such as a line, as it is left off a reel. The line is provided with a plurality of dye marks spaced at predetermined increments. The dye marks are detected by an optical sensor. The optical sensor is operatively connected to a circuit which maintains a count indicative of the length of the line. The count is displayed on an LED display.

Abstract: A tape rule or other displacement measuring apparatus comprises a reader means and a member that are relatively movable. The member carries a position track defined by a sequence of alternative markings made in succession along the member. The alternative markings record different values in a pseudo-random sequence which is the result of repetitive operations on a seed consisting of a small number of elements. The sequence has the property that a group of successive markings of length at least equal to that of the seed occurs at a single position in the sequence so that a succession of markings read from the track and of length at least equal to the seed defines an absolute position of the reading means and the member.

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 tape measure 20 includes a display window 24 for presenting a digital presentation of the measurement being made. The tape measure 20 includes an encoder 74 which provides for a combined absolute scale 95 and relative scale 105 for determining the measurement. Perforations 62 in the tape 26 are mated with pins 60 extending from a capstan 58 in order to cause the encoder 74 to send signals to a microprocessor 76. The microprocessor 76 processes the signal and displays the measurement.

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 measuring instrument comprises a portable case (45) housing a drum (11) on which is wound a flexible mesuring line or tape (10) which runs over a rotary capstan (15) provided with teeth (16) engaged by a sensor (24) acting as a pulse generator to an electronic counter (27). In addition there is a direction sensor (21) arranged to provide a count-up or count-down signal and a further direct measuring wheel (30) as teeth (32) acting as a pulse generator to the same counter (27).

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 system for use in measuring the lengths of individual pipes in a disassembled pipe string and automatically computing and recording the individual lengths and their cumulative total. The system 20 includes a measuring tape 21 on a spool 22 journalled for rotation as the tape is withdrawn therefrom and a system operations controller 48. The controller comprises a shaft encorder 50 for generating an encoded signal of voltage pulses representing the angular rotation of the spool and microprocessor 60 for converting the encoded signal to a data signal representing the length of a pipe P, the pipe number in order of sequence of measurement, and a cumulative total of individual pipe lengths. The data signals are transferable to a memory storage 64 by manual switch from which they are coupled to a visual display 70 and are retrievable for recording by a printer 72.

Abstract: Electronic measuring gauge and apparatus therefor comprising in combination apparatus and method for use in inspecting and determining vehicle body elevational position relative to the suspension which supports the vehicle body from the wheels or the floor on which the wheels rest. Components are provided to store and present alignment and body elevation measurement points for subsequent call up to suit a specific vehicle presented for inspection and a measuring device for finding the measurements at the measurement points. The apparatus and the method of its use increases the accuracy of inspection and reduces the time required to perform the linear measurements to assist in vehicle wheel alignment operations.

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.