Abstract: A length measuring device is provided, which includes a case, a first rotating part configured to rotate while a portion of a circumference thereof exposed outside the case is in contact with a measured object, a rotation interfering part configured to interfere with an inertial rotation of the first rotating part, and a control part configured to calculate a length measurement using an amount of rotation of the first rotating part.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for measuring a path length using a handheld electronic device comprising: repeatedly tumbling forward the handheld electronic device so as to cover the path to be measured; sensing a rotational change of the handheld electronic device; counting fractional increments of revolution of the handheld electronic device with respect to a starting position; and estimating the path length based on the counted fractional increments of revolution.

Abstract: Examples of the disclosure enclose an optical target on an encoder and sensors inside a single integrated module, wherein the encoder and the sensors are coupled to the same rigid body to maintain optical alignment between the sensors and the optical target on the encoder. Further, the module itself may be hermetically sealed to protect the optical path (e.g., from a light source to the optical target to the sensors) from contamination due to outside dirt, debris, or light sources internal/external to the device that might further interfere with alignment and/or proper sensing. Because the integrated module results in smaller variations in the alignment between the optical target and the sensors, the dynamic range of the sensors may be reduced, resulting in less power consumption and, potentially, longer battery life for the device. The use of an integrated module can also enable relaxed manufacturing requirements for the optical sensor and/or the optical target.

Abstract: A method of forming circumferential grooves in pipe elements using opposed rollers to cold work the pipe elements determines the diameter of the groove while the pipe element is rotated between the rollers. A device for executing the method uses the instantaneous determinations of the groove diameter in a feed-back loop to control the operation of the device and halt groove formation when the groove diameter is within a specified tolerance.

Abstract: A simplified distance meter comprises a frame, at least two wheels installed in front and rear of the frame, rotation detectors for detecting rotation of at least one wheel, and tilt detecting means installed on the frame, wherein amount of rotations of the wheels is obtained by the rotation detector, and tilting of the frame corresponding to the amount of rotations is acquired by the tilt detecting means.

Abstract: A sheet length measuring device includes a rotating body configured to rotate with a movement of a sheet in a conveying direction; a position detecting unit configured to detect leading and trailing ends of the sheet passing through a position of the rotating body; a measuring unit configured to measure a rotation amount of the rotating body and output an origin signal per one revolution of the rotating body; a storage unit configured to store changes of a sheet conveying amount with respect to respective rotation angles in one revolution of the rotating body; and a calculating unit configured to calculate a corrected length of the sheet from a value obtained from a rotation angle of the rotating body when the leading end of the sheet is detected and a value obtained from a rotation angle of the rotating body when the trailing end of the sheet is detected.

Abstract: A method to increase the accuracy of the interpolation of railroad mileposts is disclosed. Based upon image data and data provided in customer track charts, reference points are selected along the track, and their location is verified using GPS data. Once verified, the locations of various points between the reference points are determined using mathematical interpolation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring distance on a loose surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a wheel operatively coupled to the frame. The wheel rotates relative to the frame. Further, the wheel includes a hub for operatively coupling the wheel with the frame. The hub rotates relative to the frame in response to one of pushing and pulling of the frame. To increase traction between the wheel and the loose surface, a plurality of spikes is provided on a peripheral surface of the wheel, projecting outwardly away from the hub. As the peripheral surface rolls on the surface, the distance traversed by the wheel is measured by calculating the number of rotations made by the wheel. A counter is operatively coupled to the wheel for tracking the number of rotations made by the wheel as the peripheral surface of the wheel rolls on the loose surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring distance on a loose surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a wheel operatively coupled to the frame. The wheel rotates relative to the frame. Further, the wheel includes a hub for operatively coupling the wheel with the frame. The hub rotates relative to the frame in response to one of pushing and pulling of the frame. To increase traction between the wheel and the loose surface, a plurality of spikes is provided on a peripheral surface of the wheel, projecting outwardly away from the hub. As the peripheral surface rolls on the surface, the distance traversed by the wheel is measured by calculating the number of rotations made by the wheel. A counter is operatively coupled to the wheel for tracking the number of rotations made by the wheel as the peripheral surface of the wheel rolls on the loose surface.

Abstract: The invention is based on a locating device for locating objects in an item being investigated, the device having a basic body, a guide unit for guiding along the item being investigated in at least one direction of movement and an output unit. It is proposed that the locating device has a control unit which, in conjunction with the output unit, is provided for the purpose of outputting at least one item of information relating to a distance in the direction of movement with at least one dimensional distance variable.

Abstract: A rolling ruler comprises a blade member configured to facilitate taking a measurement. The blade member is coupled to a handle that is configured to be gripped by a user, wherein the handle acts as a housing for storing a plurality of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components providing predefined functionalities to the rolling ruler. Further at least one roller with a rolling surface that is partially exposed through a backside of the handle for contacting a surface to be measured is in operable contact with a portion of the plurality of electronic components to facilitate measuring distance based on rotations of the at least one roller.

Abstract: A device for measuring a length of a recoding material, includes: a rotating body that rotates in contact with a recording material which is transported; a length measuring unit that measures a length of the recording material based on a rotation of the rotating unit; a detecting unit that detects at least one of a rotation and an oblique advance of the recording material; and a correcting unit that corrects a value measured by the length measuring unit based on an output of the detecting unit.

Abstract: A wheeled distance measuring device includes a wheel with a measuring unit connected to a side of the wheel and a pole unit is connected to the wheel, the pole unit includes a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section has two first holes and two second holes defined in two ends thereof. The first section is movably inserted into the second section which has two third holes and movably inserted into the third section which has two fourth holes. Two positioning units are respectively located between the first and second section, and between the second and third sections. The positioning units control the retractable movement of the sections so as to adjust the length of the pole unit. A handle is connected to the pole unit and controls the positioning units by an action rod.

Abstract: A method of calibrating once-around and harmonic errors of encoded nips is provided. An encoder with an index pulse is used to measure the velocity and rotation of the driven wheel or idler. The geometry of the drive train and wheel and idler is chosen so that their once around and harmonic frequencies are unique such that no other drive errors will generate these frequencies. The method includes running the idler or wheel at substantially constant velocity for N revolutions. Each index triggers the collection of velocity data, which is averaged for N revolutions. This process detects drive train motion errors that are periodic with respect to the timing of the index pulse (i.e., once per revolution of the wheel or idler). Once the velocity errors have been measured, corrections are made. This method may be incorporated in xerographic machines as part of a setup or calibration procedure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sensor having a roller adapted on a shaft to roll along a workpiece surface, a compliant member adapted around at least a portion of the roller, and an encoder to code information regarding movement of the roller. In some implementations, the encoder may be in communication with a processor of a machine to provide information regarding workpiece movement.

Abstract: A marking device, in particular a hand-held marking tool for positioning markings, comprises first means (50, 52, 54, 56) which make it possible to position the device (10) in a predefinable first position of a reference surface (16), and second means (46) for leveling the device (10) relative to the reference surface (16), as well as a tracking system (13) for determining a distance covered by the device (10) relative to the first position of the device. The tracking system (13) detects the movement of the measuring instrument (10) on the reference surface (16) in two orthogonal directions (18,20).

Abstract: A handheld device. In particular a locating device, includes a housing (10), which is movable with a handle unit (12) over a surface of an item being examined and which has a sensor unit (16) for picking up a first motion parameter. At least one second motion parameter can be detected with the sensor unit (16).

Abstract: A system for creating, managing, and using a database comprising scoring data may involve receiving input signals from a measurement device, the input signals being representative of antler measurement data, calculating scoring data using various scoring methods, storing the scoring data in the database, creating customized trophy certificates containing the scoring data, and displaying summary lists of the scoring data in response to user queries of the database.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device is disclosed which includes a pair of wheels connected to an axle that passes through a drive gear. The drive gear is enmeshed to a second gear which, in turn, is coaxially connected to an encoder disk. The encoder disk has spaced-apart fins around its outer periphery. As the wheels turn and the encoder disk rotates, the fins and openings between the fins pass between an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and receiver are linked to a controller which calculates the distance traversed by the wheels based upon the number of fins that pass between the emitter and receiver, or with an active counting system (ACS). The controller also includes functions to establish start and stop points for a measurement and an easy means for dividing a measured distance into equal parts or segments and a means for marking the boundary points that define the segments when the measuring device is rolled back across the measured distance. The device can be used on both planar and non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: Provided is a distance calculating apparatus calculating a real distance from a map distance of a map path connecting a first point and a second point on a map, the apparatus including: a housing; a scale input unit into which a reduced scale is input, disposed in the housing; an optical sensor unit disposed in the housing, the optical sensor unit sensing movement of the housing using light and outputting an electrical signal when the housing is moved along the map path; a calculation unit disposed in the housing, the calculation unit calculating the map distance using the electrical signal input from the optical sensor unit and calculating the real distance using the map distance and the reduced scale input from the scale input unit; and a display unit disposed in the housing, the display unit displaying the real distance calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device is disclosed which includes a pair of wheels connected to an axle that passes through a drive gear. The drive gear is enmeshed to a second gear which, in turn, is coaxially connected to an encoder disk. The encoder disk has spaced-apart fins around its outer periphery. As the wheels turn and the encoder disk rotates, the fins and openings between the fins pass between an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and receiver are linked to a controller which calculates the distance traversed by the wheels based upon the number of fins that pass between the emitter and receiver, or with an active counting system (ACS). The controller also includes functions to establish start and stop points for a measurement and an easy means for dividing a measured distance into equal parts or segments and a means for marking the boundary points that define the segments when the measuring device is rolled back across the measured distance. The device can be used on both planar and non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory. Sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals from a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device is disclosed which includes a pair of wheels connected to an axle that passes through a drive gear. The drive gear is enmeshed to a second gear which, in turn, is coaxially connected to an encoder disk. The encoder disk has spaced-apart fins around its outer periphery. As the wheels turn and the encoder disk rotates, the fins and openings between the fins pass between an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and receiver are linked to a controller which calculates the distance traversed by the wheels based upon the number of fins that pass between the emitter and receiver, or with an active counting system (ACS). The controller also includes functions to establish start and stop points for a measurement and an easy means for dividing a measured distance into equal parts or segments and a means for marking the boundary points that define the segments when the measuring device is rolled back across the measured distance. The device can be used on both planar and non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: A measurement and marking device includes a housing, a positional sensing assembly mounted in the housing, a printhead assembly mounted in the housing, and a controller mounted in the housing and communicating with the positional sensing assembly and the printhead assembly. The positional sensing assembly is adapted to sense a position of the housing relative to an object as the housing is moved along a surface of the object and the printhead assembly is adapted to print on the surface of the object as the housing is moved along the surface of the object. As such, the controller is adapted to operate the printhead assembly to print a mark on the surface of the object based on the position of the housing relative to the object as the housing is moved along the surface of the object.

Abstract: An antler scoring system for enabling efficient and accurate measurement of antlers. The antler scoring system includes a housing, a wheel member rotatably attached to the housing, a central processing unit within the housing in communication with the wheel member, a ruler extendably positioned within the housing, and an idler roller positioned within the neck of the housing opposite of the wheel member with the ruler positioned between thereof. When the idler roller is engaged, the ruler is measured by the wheel member. The ruler preferably includes an engaging member that has a side opening for receiving a portion of the ruler during measuring of the antler circumference and inside spread.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a housing (10) and a display unit (12), in particular a display for graphic representation of measurement information, which display is movable for locating purposes using a handle unit (14) over a surface of an article being examined. The device has at least one sensor unit (20) for picking up a first motion parameter. At least one motion measuring direction (16, 18) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (22) of the housing (10).

Abstract: The invention is based on a positioning device, having a housing (10) and having a display unit (12), in particular a display for graphic representation of measurement information, which display is movable for locating purposes using a handle unit (14) over a surface of an article being examined, and having at least one sensor unit (20) for picking up a first motion parameter.

Abstract: An antler scoring system for enabling efficient and accurate-measurement of antlers. The antler scoring system includes a housing, a wheel member rotatably attached to the housing, a central processing unit within the housing in communication with the wheel member, a ruler extendably positioned within the housing, and an idler roller positioned within the neck of the housing opposite of the wheel member with the ruler positioned between thereof. When the idler roller is engaged, the ruler is measured by the wheel member. The ruler preferably includes an engaging member that has a side opening for receiving a portion of the ruler during measuring of the antler circumference and inside spread.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and procedure to regulate the bale length in a square baler. Sensors determine both the forward and backward movement of the crop bundle and transfer these measurements to an evaluation electronic. The evaluation electronic adds the measurements and triggers the tying process when the actual length value is reached. The procedure includes the steps of: sensing both the forward and backward movement of a crop bundle in a baling chamber; adding the measured forward and backward movements to determine an actual length value of the crop bundle; and triggering the tying device once a pre-set target actual length value is reached.

Abstract: A displacement measuring device includes a body which is movable on a plurality of rails and driven by a first shaft. An extension portion is connected to the body and a second shaft connected to the body extends through the extension portion. A first gear and a second gear are respectively mounted to the first shaft and the second shaft. Both of the two gears are engaged with a rack. A spring is received in the extension portion and pushes the second gear so that the second gear is pushed toward the rack. The second gear is snugly engaged with the rack so that the tolerance therebetween is reduced. A counting member is connected to the second shaft so that the number of the revolution of the second gear is counted and the sum of the displacement of the object can be precisely calculated.

Abstract: A measuring system has a freely movable measuring instrument and a computer for processing the measured data. Two measuring devices are in the measuring instrument, each with two acceleration sensors. Two of the sensor each in a common plane and the two measuring planes are at right angles to one another. A measuring wheel is in the measuring instrument for acquiring the length of the displacement path of the measuring instrument. The measuring instrument acquires the shape and length of a surface line of a body and its representation in two spatial planes with a measuring range from 0 to 360° in one plane. Input elements and a display arrangement on the measuring instrument serve to simplify the measuring process and permit direct control and monitoring of the measuring process.

Abstract: A handy type curve length measuring apparatus comprises a pen-holder like body, a castor rotatably connected with the body so as to rotate around a first axis and having a disk including slits, pulse generating means and an indicator. When the disk rolls on a curved line, the slits provided on the disk move past a pulse generating means. Counting means count the number of pulses and the indicator displays the length of the curve based on the number of generated pulses. Since the apparatus can trace curved lines without rotating the body due to the castor mechanism, an accurate and easy measurement of length can be attained.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional measuring wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two robust attitude sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements such as the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements and other uses.

Abstract: A computer assisted measuring device that can be tied into a computer to generate price quotes and measurements for the carpet cleaning industry. The device is made up of a measuring wheel, which is used to roll on a surface being measured, a shaft, which attaches the measuring wheel to the end of the computer assisted measuring device, a control box casing, which houses computer compartment components and battery compartment components, a handle for ease of handling and a computer interface jack for connecting the computer assisted measuring device to a computer.

Abstract: An antler scoring system for enabling efficient and accurate measurement of antlers. The antler scoring system includes a housing, a wheel member rotatably attached to the housing for measuring lengths and diameters, a central processing unit within the housing in communication with the wheel member for calculating measurements and a final score, a keypad for entering in manual measurements, and a ruler extendably positioned within. The user first utilizes the wheel member to measure the length of the main beams, each tine length, and the circumference between each tine. The user then utilizes the ruler to measure the inside spread between the main beams which is entered into the keypad. The central processing unit combines the total measurements to generate a final score based upon one or more antler scoring systems such as BOONE & CROCKET, SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL, and BUCKMASTERS TROPHY RECORDS.

Abstract: An electromechanical dimensioning device measures dimensional attributes of an object and transmits the dimensional attributes from the dimensioning device to a remote receiving device. The dimensioning device converts rotational motion of a measuring wheel into a linear distance traveled by the wheel. In one embodiment, the dimensioning device incorporates a rechargeable battery power source and a radio frequency transceiver, allowing fully portable operation. The dimensioning device also optionally includes a bar code scanner for identifying the dimensioned object.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument which permits distance measurements to be taken internal of a body includes a wheel rotatably mounted at a distal end of an elongated barrel portion. The wheel is placed in contact with an internal body part to be measured and rotation is imparted to the wheel, either by self-induced rotational components housed in the instrument which cause the wheel to be propelled along the surface with which it is in contact, or by friction-induced sympathetic rotation caused by advancing a freely mounted wheel while in engaged contact with the organ surface. The wheel is rolled along a measurement path, and rotation thereof sensed and converted into data output representative of a distance traversed by the wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the radial positioning of the wheel relative the barrel portion is user selectable, facilitating its use in directionally restricted internal regions.

Abstract: An engineering drawing plotter includes a feed roller for moving paper lengthwise bidirectionally with respect to one or more plotting pens. A counter installed on the plotter includes a pulse switch for measuring absolute lengthwise paper displacement, a direction transducer for determining paper movement direction, and a counter responsive to the measuring device and direction indicating device, for determining and displaying cumulative net paper displacement.

Abstract: A handy type curve length measuring apparatus includes a pen-holder like body, a caster rotatably connected with the body so as to rotate around a rotation axis and having a disk including slits, light emitting device, light detecting device and an indicator. When the disk rolls on a curved line, the slits provided on the disk cross the beam of light emitted from the light emitting device so as to generate pulses. The light detecting device counts the number of these pulses and the indicator displays a length of the curve based on the number of detected pulses. Since the apparatus can trace curved lines without rotating the body due to the caster mechanism, an accurate and easy measurement of length can be attained.

Abstract: A measuring device, such as a planimeter, having an increased measurable range for measuring a figure without increasing a length of the measuring device. The measurable range of a planimeter is based upon the a physical length of the planimeter. In order to increase the measurable range of the planimeter, the planimeter is provided with an operation control switch that functions to set a measurement mode of a computer associated with the planimeter to a suspend mode, temporarily halting a measurement operation, so that the planimeter can be shifted to another position. Thus, the measuring range of the planimeter is increased without increasing the physical length of the planimeter.

Abstract: Rolls of printer paper are marked with information which indicates the length of paper remaining on a roll by measuring the distance between indicia successively applied by two separate print drums which each apply indicia at substantially equally spaced first and second intervals, respectively. The length of paper remaining on the roll is determinable by measuring the spacing between indicia applied by each drum. Some of the applied indicia may also be bar-coded with roll length indicia which includes a second means of determining length of paper remaining on a print roll and other information such as paper type, total roll length and name of the manufacturer. The indicia can be applied at speeds of paper travel substantially higher than the fastest known dynamic printing techniques.

Abstract: A measuring or determining device including a measuring head with a movable body designed to be placed in contact with the object on which the measurement or determination is to be executed. The device includes structure for the generation of electromagnetic radiation and conveying structure to convey the electromagnetic radiation to the movable body. The movable body has a plurality of markings which modulate the electromagnetic radiation in relation to movement of the movable body. Another conveying structure conveys the modulated electromagnetic radiation away from the movable body and to a processing unit which determines the length of the object being measured from the modulated electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The hand-held apparatus of the present invention includes an integral printer and measuring device so that measurement information obtained from the measuring device may be automatically printed, used to determine additional information to be printed such as price information, or merely displayed. A measuring wheel having detectable marks disposed about the periphery thereof is rotatably mounted on the housing of the apparatus in proximity to a sensor that detects the marks. This sensor is positioned on the housing to not only detect the marks on the measuring wheel but to also detect the presence or absence of a label dispensed from the housing so as to provide an on-demand printing mode of operation. A controller is responsive to the sensor in the on-demand mode of operation for controlling a printhead to print on a supply when the previously printed supply has been removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to measuring the length of a piece of wood to be cut in a miter box, a frame and trim saw, a radial saw and the like. The miter box includes a back (24) having a surface (24a) against which the piece of wood is placed and slid into position for cutting by the saw blade of the miter box. A roller (30) is positioned at and extends slightly beyond surface (24b), and is mechanically and thence electrically connected to a LCD display (54). The roller is mechanically connected to a rotary disc (42) by any suitable means, such as by a secondary roller (34) and gears or by a cord (40) and pulley mechanism. Wiper contacts 60 are slidable on and against a surface of disc (42), and are electrically connected to LCD display (54). A reset switch (68) and/or a spring switch on surface (24a) enables the reading on display (54) to be reset, for example, to 1/2" which is the distance from a starting point and the path of saw blade travel.

Abstract: A device for measuring a figure. The measuring device includes an auxiliary tracer to obtain measurement coordinates when a measuring lever of the measuring device is beyond a predetermined rotatable range. The auxiliary tracer functions to increase the measurable range of the measuring device without having to increase the over-all length of the measuring device. The device includes a body having a pair of wheels with a measuring lever extending therefrom and having a main tracer. An auxiliary tracer is provided on an auxiliary arm extending from the measuring lever. Data from either the main tracer or the auxiliary tracer can be processed by a processor to measure the figure.

Abstract: An electronic hand holdable measuring device for measuring dimension of an article by rolling the device across surface of the article includes a housing 10 and a roller sub-assembly 11. When the roller is worn it can be readily replaced together with an associated raster disc 23 forming part of the sub-assembly. An optical reader is permanently mounted inside the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held scaler for a map or illustration uses a rotary element and an optical sensor at its tip to generate digital pulses when the tip is moved over a map surface. The pulses are counted by a microprocessor. Different pulse counts automatically scale distances on the map. The microprocessor is supplied with a number, e.g., the number miles on the map scale line; then the tip is run over the scale line (or a known distance between two points on the map). The ratio of the number and the pulse count is used to scale arbitrary distances on the map by multiplying the tip pulses by the ratio. A readout shows the scaled distance (or a mathematical function of the distance). The rotary element can be a wheel in an axle or a sphere held in a retainer, like a ball-point pen ball. The sensor has a lamp and photocell to generate pulses by a pattern of reflective and non-reflective areas on the rotary element. The housing has switches for resetting, calibrating, and initializing, and a map-illuminating light.

Abstract: A self-contained, electronic, hand-held scaler for a map or other illustration uses a rotary element and an optical sensor at its tip to generate digital pulses when the tip is moved over a map surface. The pulses are counted by a microprocessor that also operates on different pulse counts to automatically scale distances on the map. The microprocessor is supplied with the number of, eg., miles on the scale line of the map and the tip is then run over the length of the scale line; the processor uses the ratio of the number and the pulse count to scale an arbitrary distance on the map. A digital readout shows the scaled distance in, eg., miles corresponding to the line run over the map. The rotary element can be a wheel in an axle or a sphere held in a retainer, like a ball-point pen ball. The sensor has a lamp and photocell to generate pulses by a pattern of reflective and non-reflective areas on the rotary element.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device for measure the dimensional weight of the boxes in a shipment of freight includes a gun shaped housing having a tracing wheel located at a front end of the elongated portion of the housing. A handle is located at the back end of the elongated housing and extends downward therefrom. A trigger switch is also located at the back end of the elongated housing. In operation, the user of the devices holds the measuring device so as to place the wheel in contact with one corner of a freight box. The user then runs the wheel to an opposite corner to measure one dimension of the box. Afterwards the user presses the trigger to input that dimension into the device. After the length, height, and width of the box has been entered into the device, they are multiplied together to determine the volume of the box.

Abstract: A rigid housing has an axially extending opening which receives a length of cylindrical tubing therethrough. A measuring assembly is mounted to the housing and has a circular friction wheel which is rotatable about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the tubing. The friction wheel extends into the opening into engagement with the tubing, such that as the tubing is advanced through the housing, the wheel is turned. An encoder wheel is fixed to the friction wheel to allow a photodetector to determine the angular displacement of the wheel. An electric controller receives signals from the photodetector and calculates the linear length of tubing which has passed beneath the wheel and displays this on a liquid crystal display. A cutting assembly is mounted to the housing and spaced axially from the measuring assembly. The cutting assembly has a cutting blade which is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the friction wheel axis.