Abstract: An arrangement for determining a degree of stretching of hair is provided. The arrangement includes a detection unit for detecting hair characteristics and an evaluation unit for evaluating the detected hair characteristics and for determining the degree of elongation of hair based on the detected hair characteristics. The detection unit contains a near-infrared sensor, and is configured to irradiate a hair sample with electromagnetic waves in the infrared range and to detect an absorbance of the hair sample in a wavelength range from about 800 to about 2500 nm. The acquisition unit is configured to generate an absorption spectrum of the hair sample in the wavelength range of from about 800 to about 2500 nm and provide it to the evaluation unit and the evaluation unit is configured to compare the generated absorption spectrum with a calibration model and to determine a degree of elongation of the hair sample.

Abstract: An angle ruler includes a ruler, a ruler holder and a digital display module, the digital display module is fixed on the ruler holder and the ruler holder has an inclined edge. The angle ruler can not only retain the using habit of the user, but also can make the reading more convenient, accurate and time-saving.

Abstract: A Static Compression Device (SC device) for active, measurable compression of a spinal fusion graft is disclosed. The device attaches to adjacent vertebral bodies or other bone pieces works with a compression tool to apply compressive force to adjacent vertebral bodies or pieces of bone to assist fusion. Once compressed, the SC device locks to maintain the compression applied at surgery, while preventing further compression after surgery. In one embodiment, the compression device applies a desired, quantified, amount of force to allow the surgeon more control over the force applied to a cervical, thoracic or lumbar implant than previously available. The SC device may be used to compresses multiple adjacent vertebrae across adjacent bone graft(s) to facilitate fusion of these vertebrae to treat pain from damaged disks between vertebrae that impinge on the spinal cord and nerve roots. SC device may also apply compression across fractures to facilitate union.

Abstract: There is provided a connection unit for connecting an external device to a measurement device. Connection units 600 and 700 each include a flat plate shaped connection unit main part 610, a connector terminal 651 for measurement device provided at the connection unit main part 610 and connected to a signal inputting/outputting connection port 110 or 210 corresponding to each of measurement devices 100 to 400, and a connector terminal 660 for external device provided at the connection unit main part 610 and connected to a signal inputting/outputting connection port 511 of each of external devices 510 to 540. The connection unit main part 610 is further provided with a manually operable switch.

Abstract: Computerized Caliper consists of measuring bar with fixed jaw, moving frame with moving jaw and a measurement and computer block. Measurement and computer block installed on the moving frame comprises digital measurement device of a vernier caliper, a computer, to which a temperature transmitter is connected, and a photo-camera.

Abstract: A data collection and processing system includes a hand-held tool for measuring the spacing between two locations on a test object such as automobile body panels. The tool generates and transmits a measurement signal to a remote data processing unit in response to a single operator input. The data processing unit compares the measurement signal with a predetermined range of values and classifies the measurement signal as either in-range data (i.e., when the measurement falls within the range of values) or out-of-range data (i.e., when the measurement falls outside of said range of values). If the measurement signal reflects an in-range measurement, the database is updated with the measurement signal as being in/out of specification. If the measurement signal reflects an out-of-range measurement, the signal is classified as a functional flag, advancing the system to a next measurement group or confirming vehicle status (e.g., measurement complete or hold for re-work).

Abstract: A measuring device is provided including a user interface responsive to changes in a displacement sensed by a displacement sensor. The measuring device (e.g., a handheld caliper or micrometer) includes a displacement sensor, a display, a signal processing and control portion, and a user interface. The displacement sensor includes a readhead and a scale displaceable relative to one another along a measuring axis under the manual control of a user, with the display being connected to the readhead. In a first user interface mode, displacement measurement values are displayed and are responsive to changes in the displacement of the displacement sensor. In a second user interface mode, operation control elements are displayed in the user interface and an operation control element action visible in the user interface (e.g., movement of a selection indicator) is responsive to changes in the displacement of the displacement sensor.

Abstract: A micrometer with good usability is provided. A micrometer has a frame with an anvil at one end and a spindle at another end, the spindle moving closer to or further away from the anvil. The frame is covered with a heat shield cover. The heat shield cover has a first anti-slip part. The first anti-slip part preferably has a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A force indicator arrangement provides tactile or auditory feedback regarding a measuring force applied through a force actuator to a caliper jaw. The force indicator arrangement, coupled between the force actuator and the caliper jaw, includes an incremented member, an engaging member and a compliant element. The incremented member includes increment marker(s), and the engaging member is arranged to engage the increment marker(s) to produce tactile and/or auditory feedback (e.g., clicks) to indicate an amount of measuring force that is being applied arising from deformation of the compliant element. Different increment marker configurations may be provided to indicate different levels of measuring force. A set of interchangeable force indicator arrangements with different force sensitivities may be provided for use in different applications. A retrofitable force indicator arrangement may also utilize a fastening configuration that is compatible with existing mounting features on existing caliper jaws.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a display that displays measurements. The display is provided by an organic electroluminescent display device or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) devices. Since the display is provided by the organic electroluminescent display device or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic electroluminescence devices, visibility of the display can be enhanced. Further, since the display can be used for various measuring instruments in common and the display design can be easily changed, production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A large bore measuring system includes a modular and extendable bore gage with analog and digital readouts, also includes a settable set-master. The modular bore gage is designed to measure two sets of large bore diameters. A first set of large bores is accomplished by using a modular bore gage design described in this disclosure. The second set of larger bores is accomplished by adding attachments therein extending the gage for the larger range of bore diameters. A set-master is used for both sets of large bores.

Abstract: An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through a power generating handle to the gear assembly by a user moving the power generating handle relative to the gear assembly, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user moves the power generating handle, and the power generating arrangement contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N as the user moves the power generating handle with a maximum manual acceleration.

Abstract: A handheld measurement tool with a display that can be defined by a user. The handheld measurement tool may be a portable measurement gauge (e.g. a digital caliper, digital “dial” gauge, height gauge, micrometer, indicator, etc.) that may be utilized for measuring precise physical dimensions of workpieces. The display may be independently modified according to a customer's individual needs for various precision measurement applications. A remote device (e.g. PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) may be utilized for reconfiguring the display, wherein a user can select and modify display format arrangements on the remote device. When the remote device is coupled to the portable measurement gauge, the gauge display is reconfigured so as to have a similar appearance to the defined display format arrangement. In certain embodiments, voice commands may be reconfigured and used for controlling the gauge display.

Abstract: An ambidextrous vernier caliper includes a main ruler and a vernier having a slide channel in which the main ruler is inserted. As each of the front and back sides of the main ruler has a graduated layer, and each of the front and back sides of the vernier has a scaled layer, the vernier caliper is convenient to use by left-handed as well as right-handed people.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of checking wear on roller chains. In order to provide a device for checking wear on roller chains, which enables a quantitative statement to be made about the state of wear of a fitted roller chain, it is proposed according to the invention that means for tensioning a portion of the roller chain with a defined measuring load be provided and that means for measuring the spacing between a given number of chain links be provided, the means for measuring the spacing having two contact pins, each of which is configured for positioning between two rivet heads or on a rivet head of a link plate, and a device for measuring and displaying the distance between the two contact pins. The advantages of the invention consist essentially in that it enables an accurate, quantitative measurement of the wear on a roller chain in the fitted state to be obtained quickly and easily.

Abstract: A digital indicator includes: a body; a spindle formed in the body, movably in an axial direction; a displacement detecting sensor configured to detect a movement displacement amount of the spindle; a display device configured to display the movement displacement amount of the spindle detected by the displacement detecting sensor; and a display controller configured to linearly move a measured value display mark representing a measured value in a display surface of the display device according to variations in the measured value.

Abstract: An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through the scale member to the gear assembly by a user opening or closing the caliper, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user opens or closes the caliper and is configured such that it contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N during the user opening or closing the caliper using a maximum manual acceleration and/or speed.

Abstract: A combination gauge tool and a method of measuring are provided. The combination gauge tool includes a processing module having a sensor. The combination gauge tool includes at least two of a brake pad thickness gauge, a tire treads depth gauge, and a rotor thickness gauge each coupled to the processing module at one or more inputs of the sensor and configured to provide measurement data to the sensor.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to an electronic caliper which combines positioning and measurement in one unit without the use of hydraulics for subsea use. In certain embodiments, several attachments can be affixed to accommodate a range of measurement tasks. In a preferred embodiment, one jaw is adjustable and the other, or opposing, jaw is fixed, e.g. by bolting it on to a mounting structure. The jaws typically allow for the removal and replacement of other attachments. In another embodiment, the unit communicates to computer software for position control, precise indication and clamping for adjustment. In a preferred embodiment, computer software displays all feedback via laptop computer on surface. The caliper is maneuvered to a position proximate an object and used to measure a predetermined physical characteristic of the object. The measurement can be displayed, e.g. at the surface, using a computer with control software.

Abstract: There is provided a separation distance derivation system and a thickness gauge. The separation distance derivation system has a thickness gauge that includes: a plurality of blades having first ends inserted between objects; and RFID tags respectively fixed to part of the blades and storing readably thickness information corresponding to the thickness of the respective blades. The separation distance derivation system has also a reading device that includes an RF receiver for establishing contact-less communication with the RFID tags and reading the thickness information, and a controller for summating the thicknesses of the blades, as denoted by the read thickness information, to derive thereby a separation distance.

Abstract: A manual gauge measures a specimen's thickness by pressing surface contactors against its opposing surfaces. A rigid C-frame has upper and lower jaws providing a means for engaging a specimen and for gauging its thickness using a linear probe that is caused to move linearly between the jaws by a handle assembly. The handle assembly is joined with the C-frame at a point that is co-linear with a force vector of the probe against a workpiece resting on one of the jaws. The force of the probe is transmitted through the specimen to the jaw. The handle leverages from this jaw so that there is no force applied between the jaws thereby avoiding error due to the varying hand pressure by the operator and the resultant strain in the C-frame during measurements.

Abstract: A handheld measurement tool with a display that can be defined by a user. The handheld measurement tool may be a portable measurement gauge (e.g. a digital caliper, digital “dial” gauge, height gauge, micrometer, indicator, etc.) that may be utilized for measuring precise physical dimensions of workpieces. The display may be independently modified according to a customer's individual needs for various precision measurement applications. A remote device (e.g. PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) may be utilized for reconfiguring the display, wherein a user can select and modify display format arrangements on the remote device. When the remote device is coupled to the portable measurement gauge, the gauge display is reconfigured so as to have a similar appearance to the defined display format arrangement. In certain embodiments, voice commands may be reconfigured and used for controlling the gauge display.

Abstract: One example includes an apparatus to mark a distance from an edge of a work-piece that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including a graduations disposed aligned along the longitudinal axis, a marking blade affixed to an end portion of the shaft, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a fence assembly coupled to the shaft and movable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the fence assembly including a face configured to abut the edge of the work-piece, a graduation sensor coupled to the fence assembly and configured to monitor the graduations to provide a sensor signal associated with a distance between the fence assembly and the marking blade, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the fence assembly in communication with the graduation sensor and configured to receive the sensor signal and to provide a distance signal including information associated with the distance.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: A manual gauge measures a specimen's thickness by pressing surface contactors against its opposing surfaces. A rigid C-frame has upper and lower jaws providing a means for engaging a specimen and for gauging its thickness using a linear probe that is caused to move linearly between the jaws by a handle assembly. The handle assembly is joined with the C-frame at a point that is co-linear with a force vector of the probe against a workpiece resting on one of the jaws. The force of the probe is transmitted through the specimen to the jaw. The handle leverages from this jaw so that there is no force applied between the jaws thereby avoiding error due to the varying hand pressure by the operator and the resultant strain in the C-frame during measurements.

Abstract: A large bore measuring system includes a modular and extendable bore gage with analog and digital readouts, also includes a settable set-master. The modular bore gage is designed to measure two sets of large bore diameters. A first set of large bores is accomplished by using a modular bore gage design described in this disclosure. The second set of larger bores is accomplished by adding attachments therein extending the gage for the larger range of bore diameters. A set-master is used for both sets of large bores.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a display that displays measurements. The display is provided by an organic electroluminescent display device or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) devices. Since the display is provided by the organic electroluminescent display device or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic electroluminescence devices, visibility of the display can be enhanced. Further, since the display can be used for various measuring instruments in common and the display design can be easily changed, production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A trunk width measuring unit including a first contact portion attached movably in the vertical direction relative to a unit main body, the first contact portion to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a trunk of a subject, second and third contact portions attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body, a vertical width detection encoder for detecting a lowering distance of the first contact portion from an original position on the upper side of the trunk of the user to a contact point with the upper surface of the trunk, and a horizontal width detection encoder attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body by the same distance as a moving distance of the second contact portion, the horizontal width detection encoder detecting a moving distance of the third contact portion relative to the second contact portion.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a base extending along a longitudinal axis, an input connector configured for attachment to a shifter assembly of a vehicle and a clamp configured for attachment to a linkage support bracket of the vehicle. The measurement device measures the linear displacement of a linkage interconnecting the shifter assembly and a transmission of the vehicle in response to movement of the shifter assembly between a first position and a second position. A scale is attached to the input connector and slideably supported by the clamp. A scale reader is attached to the base for measuring linear movement of the scale in response to movement of the shifter assembly between the first and second positions. Preferably, the scale and the scale reader comprise a digital measuring unit having a digital display for displaying the measured linear movement.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: A digital sizing tool for obtaining tooling measurements and requirements comprising: a pair of fingers, where said fingers are adjoined at one adjoined end and create an opening at the opposite end; a flexible resilient means, where the flexible resilient means adjoins the pair of fingers; and a digital readout, where said digital readout provides a means to display a measured distance between the pair of fingers at the opening end and the digital readout attached to a measurement rod, where said measurement rod extends between the pair of fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, each finger may include at least one gripping surface. In another particular embodiment, the flexible resilient means includes a piston and spring assembly.

Abstract: A caliper of a type used in measurements in which the invention comprises including offset measurement jaws deployed at an angle to the main plane of said caliper for measuring dimensions offset from the main plane of said caliper. Said caliper may also include means for measuring both internal dimensions and external dimensions, and may further include a readout, such as digital or analog readout means.

Abstract: A multiple function electronic digital measuring gauge with the following features: two measuring arms (Arm 1 and Arm 2), a rotary motion capacitive sensor unit, which include two rotary motion sensors (First Sensor and Second Sensor), an electronic processor unit, and an electronic digital display unit. First Sensor is mounted on Arm 1, and Second Sensor is mounted on Arm 2. With the movement of the two arms, the data created by the capacitive sensor unit is transferred to the electronic processor, which then computes the data into readable data and displays it on the electronic digital display unit. The reading represents the distance between the two measuring arms created by the arm movements. This invention has the following advantages: accurate, easy to operate, time saving, economical, convenient, and multifunctional.

Abstract: A digital sizing tool for obtaining tooling measurements and requirements comprising: a pair of fingers, where said fingers are adjoined at one adjoined end and create an opening at the opposite end; a flexible resilient means, where the flexible resilient means adjoins the pair of fingers; and a digital readout, where said digital readout provides a means to display a measured distance between the pair of fingers at the opening end and the digital readout attached to a measurement rod, where said measurement rod extends between the pair of fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, each finger may include at least one gripping surface. In another particular embodiment, the flexible resilient means includes a piston and spring assembly.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: A capacitive digital caliper comprises a main beam and a slider, a rack and a gear are mounted on the main beam and the slider respectively. This gear system changes the linear position x on the main beam into angular position(?+2N?), and the angular position is measured by a capacitive measuring device. The capacitive measuring device of angular position is seally isolated from the rack and gear by a seal cavity and a seal member. Therefore, the caliper can be used under a poor condition at present of particulate and fluid contaminants. The present invention is particularly suitable for being used in the field of mechanical work.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided for measuring a diameter of a hole. The measuring apparatus includes a sensor unit, a data processing unit, and a display unit. The sensor unit includes a probing member. The probing member includes a plurality of probes with contact ends being arranged on a circumference, and a plurality of angle sensors. The probes are capable of contacting the inner surface of the hole. The angle sensors are arranged on each of the probes to obtain digitally an angle value of each splaying probe contacting the inner surface of the hole. The data processing unit is configured for receiving the angle value generated by the sensor unit and computing the diameter of the hole according to the value of an angle. The display unit is configured for displaying the diameter computed by the data processing unit. A method is also provided for using the measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A low cost digital ruler with desirable ergonomic characteristics and accuracy. A low friction sliding position indicator includes a compliant element that forces its connection pads against the ruler's electronic scale contacts, to determining measurement positions. The position indicator includes an instrument receiving feature that engages a writing instrument and moves in conjunction with it, thereby measuring a line as it is drawn. A position indicator preload arrangement includes the compliant element, which is deflected to exert a preload that forces the sliding position indicator against a housing of the digital ruler. Alignment features of the position indicator and housing have cross sections that provide a self-aligning angled interference fit, which accurately aligns the sliding position indicator, under the action of the preload force. Misalignment constraint surfaces constrain the sliding position indicator in approximate alignment by, even if an external force overcomes the preload force.

Abstract: An electronic calipers is provided with an adjustable digital display. In an embodiment the calipers includes an elongated body and a display member that pivots or rotates relative to the elongated body. The display member may include a base member, which is coupled with the elongated body for translational movement along at least a portion of a length of the elongated body, and a display coupled with the base member for pivotal movement between a first orientation and a second orientation. In other embodiments, the calipers includes a display portion that rotates on the body portion through an angle of about 360°. In some embodiments the display portion may be a generally annular-shaped member that rotates and/or translates on the elongated body.

Abstract: An erosion gauge for measuring a chord length of an eroded turbine blade in a steam turbine that may include: a jaw that includes a lower jaw that includes a lower jaw surface and an upper jaw that includes an upper jaw surface such that the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface oppose each other; a sliding scale that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw, wherein a first end of the sliding scale is fixed to the lower jaw and a second end of the sliding scale slides through the upper jaw such that the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface may be varied; and an electronic depth gauge that determines the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface. The lower jaw surface may include a valley insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing dynamic measurement of an elongated work piece includes at least one motion controller configured to engage at least one face of the work piece and move the work piece inline relative to the apparatus, a fence and a measurement device. The fence is configured to engage a face of the work piece and define a first reference plane along which inline motion of the work piece progresses relative to the apparatus. The measurement device is configured to engage an opposite face to the face of the work piece engaged by the fence to define a second reference plane, the measurement device being further configured to provide a digital measurement of a distance between the first reference plane and the second reference plane to an electronic device.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a base extending along a longitudinal axis, an input connector configured for attachment to a shifter assembly of a vehicle and a clamp configured for attachment to a linkage support bracket of the vehicle. The measurement device measures the linear displacement of a linkage interconnecting the shifter assembly and a transmission of the vehicle in response to movement of the shifter assembly between a first position and a second position. A scale is attached to the input connector and slideably supported by the clamp. A scale reader is attached to the base for measuring linear movement of the scale in response to movement of the shifter assembly between the first and second positions. Preferably, the scale and the scale reader comprise a digital measuring unit having a digital display for displaying the measured linear movement.

Abstract: A low cost digital ruler with desirable ergonomic characteristics and accuracy. A low friction sliding position indicator includes a compliant element that forces its connection pads against the ruler's electronic scale contacts, to determining measurement positions. The position indicator includes an instrument receiving feature that engages a writing instrument and moves in conjunction with it, thereby measuring a line as it is drawn. A position indicator preload arrangement includes the compliant element, which is deflected to exert a preload that forces the sliding position indicator against a housing of the digital ruler. Alignment features of the position indicator and housing have cross sections that provide a self-aligning angled interference fit, which accurately aligns the sliding position indicator, under the action of the preload force. Misalignment constraint surfaces constrain the sliding position indicator in approximate alignment by, even if an external force overcomes the preload force.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor core with flexible hinge is disclosed. The capacitive sensor core comprises a main grid plate (3), an auxiliary grid plate (4), and a mechanical structure transferring the measuring quantity to the displacement between the main grid plate (3) and the auxiliary grid plate (4), the mechanical structure includes a stationary means and a moving means, the auxiliary grid plate(4) and the main grid plate (3) are fixed to the driven portion of the moving means and the corresponding position of the stationary means respectively, the stationary means and the moving means are connected through a flexible hinge; the flexible hinge consists of at least two supporting spring leafs (7), one end of each of the supporting spring leaf s(7) is connected to the stationary means, the other end is connected to the moving means; the plane of each of the supporting spring leaf s (7) is perpendicular to the planes of the main and auxiliary grid plates(3, 4).

Abstract: An electronic hand tool type caliper includes a scale track located along a scale member reference edge that forms a sliding bearing with a mating surface of the caliper slide, thereby maintaining proper alignment of the slide jaw. Placing the scale track along the reference edge is advantageous in that the reference edge surface is inherently precisely machined and particles are excluded by the inherently close fit and the wiping action of the sliding bearing. A readhead sensor is mounted within the slide surface that mates to the reference edge to provide the sliding bearing. Thus, a very small readhead sensor may be reliably positioned at an extremely small gap relative to the scale in a protected operating environment, without detrimentally affecting cost, slider friction, or signal strength. High resolution digital signals may be provided.

Abstract: An electronic hand tool type caliper includes a scale track located along a scale member reference edge that forms a sliding bearing with a mating surface of the caliper slide, thereby maintaining proper alignment of the slide jaw. Placing the scale track along the reference edge is advantageous in that the reference edge surface is inherently precisely machined and particles are excluded by the inherently close fit and the wiping action of the sliding bearing. A readhead sensor is mounted within the slide surface that mates to the reference edge to provide the sliding bearing. Thus, a very small readhead sensor may be reliably positioned at an extremely small gap relative to the scale in a protected operating environment, without detrimentally affecting cost, slider friction, or signal strength. High resolution digital signals may be provided.

Abstract: A flexible measuring tape is extended from a predetermined location on a face a predetermined distance to a location on a scalp. A 2 cm by 2 cm square bundle of hair about that location is isolated. The bundle of isolated hair is captured in a slit in a two-part cartridge, one part being slidable in the other part about a changeable length slit 1 mm wide. The cartridge is placed in an “L” shaped end of a plunger extending from a first end of a body of a measuring device. The plunger is drawn into the body of the device to compress the hair in the changeable length slit as the two parts of the cartridge are pushed together between an end of the “L” and the first end of the body. A spring is provided on the plunger between a second end of the body of the device and an inner end of a knob at an outer end of the plunger.