Abstract: A measuring tape device may include a housing having an aperture, a reel assembly, a blade, and a piezoelectric bimorph layer. The reel assembly may be enclosed within the housing, and may be configured to alternately allow the blade to be withdrawn from the reel assembly through the aperture or received in the aperture onto the reel assembly. The blade may have a first end configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly. The piezoelectric bimorph layer may be disposed over at least a portion of the blade.

Abstract: A mounting system having a hub installation dispenser system. The hub installation dispenser system having a horizontal port, a horizontal level vial, a vertical port, and a vertical level vial. The horizontal port and the horizontal level vial together aid in determining a level orientation of the hub. The vertical port and the vertical level vial together aid in determining a plumb orientation of the hub. The hub installation dispenser system has an engagement channel configured to receive a tape measure. Hubs are configured to be mountable to a surface. A protrusion extends from the horizontal port and is configured to releasably secure a hub from the hub installation dispenser system.

Abstract: A tool for identifying a correct belt for a system of pulleys from a plurality of prefabricated belts having different lengths is disclosed. The tool may include a belt track attached to a first end portion of a measurement belt. The measurement belt may be wrapped around the system of pulleys. An opposed second end portion of the measurement belt may be disposed adjacent to the belt track which may include a reference indicator. The reference indicator will be aligned to one of a plurality of measurement markings on the second end portion which indicates the correct belt to order from among the plurality of prefabricated belts.

Abstract: A tape measure including a tape measure blade having an edge design to increase tape blade durability is provided. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that have a non-planar, tear reducing shape. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that include a tear reducing surface treatment such as a polished lateral edge surface section.

Abstract: A method of producing a measuring tape may include providing a tape measure blade having a first end configured to extend from a housing and a second end configured to be wound on a reel assembly, defining a first non-critical region from the first end to a start of a critical region, defining a second non-critical region from the second end to an end of the critical region, and modifying a mass per unit length of a portion of the blade such that a mass per unit length of the first and second non-critical regions is less than a mass per unit length of the critical region.

Abstract: A ruler surface structure for clear marks display in a dim light mainly comprises a ruler surface and a brightening layer. The ruler surface is marked with marks which are characters or lines. The brightening layer is laid on the marks to enhance the display and identification effect of the marks. By using the different light sensitivities formed by the brightening layer on the marks and the other regions of the ruler surface, including the functions of light reflection or luminescence, the marks can be clearly displayed and identified in the dim light.

Abstract: A tape measure, including a tape measure blade having a cross-sectional profile to increase standout is provided. The profile has a curved shape that increases standout. The tape blade may have a flat width of 30 mm or less and a standout of at least 132 inches.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of optically assessing a wind power installation or a part thereof, in particular a rotor blade, including the steps: orienting a camera on to a region to be assessed, recording a photograph of the region to be assessed with the camera, detecting the position of the photographed region, and associating the ascertained position with the photographed region.

Abstract: A measuring tool is formed from a malleable flexible bendable non-resilient material as an elongated planar strip. The planar tool has measuring indicia formed on at least one of the tool's planar surfaces. When the tool is placed in contact with an object, it can be bent to conform to the contact surface of the object. The tool retains the conformed shape for any desired period of time without returning to its normal planar configuration, thus allowing the user to trace the object or record measurements of the object.

Abstract: A tape rule assembly includes a housing; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing; an elongated blade wound on the reel and extendable through an opening in the housing, the blade having a distal end; a hook connected to the blade at the distal end; and a coil spring within the housing and configured to rotate the reel in the housing in a direction to wind up the blade. The elongated blade has a coating provided on at least one side thereof. The coating has a first thickness at a first portion proximate the distal end, a second thickness at a second portion of the blade that is rearward to the first portion and a third thickness at a third portion of the blade that is rearward of the second portion. The second thickness is less than the first thickness and the third thickness is less than the second thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design of tape measures. The Sports Yard Tape is similar in appearance to a traditional tape measure and as such features square-shaped, durable outer casing made of a hard plastic or, in another embodiment, metal material. The measuring blade is internally coiled within this casing, Mylar™-coated for added durability and featuring a metallic anchoring hook at its proximal end. Yet, unique to the Sports Yard Tape and what sets it apart from standard units is found in found in the measurements imprinted on the surface of the tape. While the Sports Yard Tape features standard millimeter, centimeter, inch and feet measurements, most prominently displayed are measurements classified by yards. As such, every thirty-six inches, the designated yardage is clearly imprinted on the surface of the tape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring tape (10) comprising a stack of at least two layers, characterized in that it also includes a first layer, called support layer, based on composite material (11) and a layer, called top layer, (12) based on a polymer having a high glass transition temperature so that, in conditions of use, said polymer is in a glassy state to maintain the element in the wound or folded position. The invention also relates to a deployable structure including said measuring tape intended notably for space applications.

Abstract: A device and method for: accurately measuring a pregnant abdomen, recording and storing all pregnancy measurements, recording and storing pregnancy milestones and experiences, comparing one or more pregnancies, and creating a pregnancy keepsake. The invention includes a 1st side and 2nd side both comprising: a pliable strip; a measuring scale; a week's pregnant scale; a marking surface; a start clasp; and an end clasp. The invention permits an accurate measurement of both fundal height and pregnant abdominal circumference. The invention also accepts written documentation for marking all pregnancy measurements and pregnancy experiences. Additionally, a plurality of labels and pregnancy themed markers are provided for attachment to the invention in order to mark the current pregnancy measurements and pregnancy experiences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring tape (10) comprising a stack of at least two layers, characterized in that it also includes a first layer, called support layer, based on composite material (11) and a layer, called top layer, (12) based on a polymer having a high glass transition temperature so that, in conditions of use, said polymer is in a glassy state to maintain the element in the wound or folded position. The invention also relates to a deployable structure including said measuring tape intended notably for space applications.

Abstract: A tape rule has a tape rule blade with fluorescent or phosphorescent material incorporated to provide enhanced visibility of indicia.

Abstract: One embodiment of a tape measure with a writing surface 2 on the retractable plastic or metal retractable strip onto which are printed units of measurement. The writing surface 2 is made of plastic that allows for ease of writing and eraseability. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook comprising titanium and having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

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: A rollable beam measurement apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing including a reel. A rule having a leading edge and a trailing edge is provided and the trailing edge is attached to the reel. An end hook is attached to the leading edge. In preferred embodiments, the rule comprises a pair of opposing rules forming a tubular structure. This new tape rule eliminates the typically unstable and flexible behavior of typical tape rules, providing the ability for stiffness and standout length in all orientations and in all environmental conditions. Furthermore, this invention improves the readability of the tape rule markings as well as maintains the accepted standard for tape rule stowage while providing these benefits.

Abstract: The tape measure incorporates a lighting device that is positioned to illuminate a measured length on the tape. The tape has a set of numerals for outside measurement that are of one color and a set of numerals for inside measurement that are of a different color. When switched on, the light provides a significant contrast with one of the sets of numerals to make that particular set of numerals significantly stand out from the other set of numerals.

Abstract: A tape measure device has an elongated blade with a central concave-convex segment with at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

Abstract: A tape measure device has an elongated blade with a central concave-convex segment with at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.

Abstract: An illuminated tape measure comprises a housing with an illuminable tape positioned in the housing. The illuminable tape is marked with a plurality of regularly spaced markings that form a linear measuring scale so the tape may be used as a measuring tape. The illuminable tape is made of an electroluminescent material operable to emit light when electrical power is provided to the material. A power source and an inverter are positioned in the housing for supplying power to the illuminable tape. The housing includes at least one wall having a transparent portion. Light from the illuminable tape may pass out of the housing through the transparent portion. In one embodiment, a mirror is provided in the housing for focusing the light within the housing into a light beam.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly including a housing and reel rotatably mounted in the housing and having an elongated blade formed from ribbons of metal. One end of the blade is connected to the reel and extends from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. When retracted within the housing assembly, the blade is in the form of an abutting volute coil. The blade is configured through the use of first and second ribbons connected to one another to provide improved standout characteristics and increased torsional rigidity as compared to conventional blades currently available.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

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 retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is able to extend outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring is arranged within the housing so as to wind up the blade when extending from the housing. A blade holding assembly is actuatable to hold the blade outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held. A relatively short free end portion of the blade has a film of plastic material adhered to a convex or a concave side thereof. The clear film of plastic material protects the covered portion of the blade from cracking or tearing and protects any indicia on the end of the blade from wear.

Abstract: The transverse cross section of a tape is cambered into V shape. The tape is 27 mm wide, 0.11 mm thick, and cambered at a height of 6.75 mm at its both ends so as to ensure sufficient stiffness when being pulled up to 10.5 feet from the tape rule housing.

Abstract: A measuring tape comprises an elongated blade of a plastic material reinforced by a transverse array of longitudinally extending continuous filaments. The array of continuous filaments includes grouped carbon filaments of a volume constituting 0 to 90% of the total volume of filaments, steel filaments of a volume constituting 0 to 90% of the total volume of filaments and fiberglass filaments of a volume constituting 0 to 90% of the total volume of filaments.

Abstract: A coilable rule assembly having an increased standout in which an intermediate blade portion, which includes the normal breakpoint for a rule blade of the width, thickness, cross-sectional configuration, and material of the free end blade portion thereof and at least the increase in the standout contemplated, has a modified cross-sectional configuration with respect to the free end blade portion which is constructed and arranged to provide a greater resistance to bending into a flattened condition in the direction of the convex side thereof than the free end blade portion so as to increase the standout of the rule blade while allowing progressive movement into a flattened condition in the direction of the concave side during winding of the rule blade into the coiled state. The intermediate blade portion is formed with a rib structure extending longitudinally therein when in an uncoiled state which resists bending in the concave direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape rule comprising a housing 1, a measuring tape (abbreviated as tape only) 2, a reel 3 for the tape 2 to wind around, a spring 4 for winding the tape 2 back to the reel 3, an arc shaped strap 12 disposed at the periphery of the reel 3 to be freely slidable therearound, a stopper 11 including a push button 13 exposed outside of the housing 1, and a claw 14 for locking the tape 2 pulled out of the housing 1 at an end to of the stopper 11. Furthermore, a brake shoe 15 is integrally formed at the inner surface of the arc shaped strap 12 of the stopper 11 for releasing the locking state made by the claw 14 so that when the tape 2 is automatically winding back around the reel 3 by a resilient force of the spring 4. The tape 2 may be made in contact with the edge of the reel 3 to reduce its retracting speed through pushing the push button 13 towards the radius center of the reel 3.

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. A coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade when extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening in a normal concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration onto the reel in an abutting volute coil formation in a flattened cross-sectional configuration. A blade holding assembly is constructed and arranged to be manually actuated to hold the blade in any position of extension outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held.

Abstract: A new color coded football yardage measuring sleeve for showing an exact distance a football team must move to achieve a first down when measuring chains are brought onto a football field. The inventive device includes a cylindrical sleeve portion having opposed open ends for receiving an existing yardage chain therein. The sleeve portion has a length of ten yards. The cylindrical sleeve portion is divided into one yard increments of alternating colors.

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: 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: 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 lifesaving apparatus comprising a scale usable as a life line, the scale comprising a high tensile strength wire with graduations in a longitudinal direction thereof, a drum for winding the metal wire thereonto, a casing accommodating the drum while permitting the same to rotate, a magnifying glass on the casing for allowing the graduations to be read, and a person carrying system. The high tensile strength wire of high tensile strength is formed of a stranded cable formed of a plurality of strands each having a tensile strength of at least 400 kgf/mm.sup.2 such that the high tensile strength wire is capable of suspending a person. The strands have a coat of a synthetic resin covering the strand. The person carrying system is connected to an end of the scale.

Abstract: An extendable tape measure having a scale tape which is extended outward by its elasticity without a leaf spring. The tape measure has a case, a rotatable spool mounted in the case, a scale tape wound on the spool and a stopper mounted on the case for locking the scale tape. The spool has two facing flanges. Each of the flanges is provided at its peripheral edge with a rim extended inward. The scale tape can be extended outward by its elasticity or can be extended and retracted by turning the handle.

Abstract: A combination tape measure and light bulb assembly disclosed. A light bulb assembly is affixed to the free end of a semi rigid tape measure. A strip of electrically conductive material is applied to the bottom of the tape measure, with various electrical switching mechanisms described to connect this strip of material to a source of electric current, and thereby light the bulb whenever required by the operator. The light bulb assembly includes a reflector plate for increasing illumination coming from the bulb, and a clear plastic shield for the bulb. The light bulb assembly can also include a magnet to further add to the utility of the combination.

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 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 scale usable as a life line includes a metal wire 5 of high tensile strength with graduation 6 in a longitudinal direction thereof, a drum 2 for winding the metal wire 5 thereonto, a casing 1 accommodating the drum 2 while permitting the same to rotate, and a magnifying glass 7 for allowing the graduation 6 to be read, wherein the metal wire 5 of high tensile strength is formed of a strand comprised of a plurality of steel wires of a fine grained composition each having a diameter of 10 to 100 .mu.m and a coat of a synthetic resin covering the strand.

Abstract: A structure which has a low coefficient of thermal and moisture expansion along one dimension (an axis) is formed of an arrangement of fibers surrounded by and bonded to an engineering thermoplastic resin. The fibers are arranged so that essentially all of the fibers are disposed parallel to the axis. The fibers have a negative coefficient of expansion, the resin has a positive coefficient of expansion, and the volume ratio is balanced so that the composite structure has a near zero coefficient of expansion. Perferably the structure is formed by pultrusion of overlapped tapes of aligned carbon fibers preimpregnated with polyphenylene sulfide. A scale having this structure has slots for indicating position on the scale. The slots extend through the scale and are transverse to the axis.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an extendable tape measure made of polypropylene plastic has upper and lower elongated tapes having elongated sides integrally permanently connected by upright integral permanent flanges forming a squared tube of which the upper surface of the upper tape has length-indicating indicia arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof. The flanges are uprightly rigid lending support against downward bending of extended portions of the tape measure but sufficiently resilient as to be bendable at squared corners of junction with the upper and lower tapes when subjected to reforming pressure by a retraction first port in a forward face of a retraction-storage casing, to flatten the squared tubular shape to a flattened windable state during retraction. An upper inner end of one flange is enalrged and forms a first slot between that upper inner end relative to and in juxtaposition to the upper elongated tape.

Abstract: A metrological scale for use in optoelectronic scale reading apparatus comprising a tape made of spring steel and having a surface layer of copper. The scale has scale marks constituted by a zig-zag or other profile impressed into the surface layer by a rolling process. During rolling, the relatively soft copper is readily deformed to accept the profile while the spring steel resists plastic elongation of the tape.