US 7,458,170 B1 · Automatic cord length measuring device

Abstract

An apparatus that accurately measures rope, wire, tubing and other materials is herein disclosed. A variety of different-sized models would possess different sized openings. One model with a one-inch opening would be used to measure small wire and cable. Another model with approximately a 3-inch opening would be used for larger electrical cables, rope, tubing and the like. An even large model would be available for measuring ductwork, hoses, and other large diameter material. As the material is pulled through the opening, an optical sensor, similar to that used on an optical computer mouse, accurately measures the material to the fraction of an inch. A mechanical sensor, utilizing a guide wheel is also envisioned. The length is displayed on a digital readout on the perimeter of the invention that is provided with a power button, reset button and the like. It is envisioned that various attachments such as a belt loop, a spool attachment and other items to increase the versatility of the invention would also be provided.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A device for accurately measuring a length of elongate material by means of a mechanical measuring system and an optical measuring system either independently of each other or in combination, comprising:

a circular disk-shaped housing with a central portal opening;
an electronic operating means;
a mechanical sensor utilizing said mechanical measuring system located within said housing;
an optical sensor utilizing said optical measuring system located within said housing;
and,
a digital display module located thereon a perimeter of said housing;
a selector switch in electrical communication with said circuit board, for
providing a selected measuring mode, comprising said mechanical or optical measuring system;
and,
wherein said elongate material is fed through said central portal opening such that said length can be accurately measured.

7 more elements

A device for accurately measuring a length of elongate material by means of a portable measuring system comprising:

a circular disk-shaped housing with a central portal opening in the range between and including one and three inches in diameter;
a mechanical sensor utilizing a mechanical measuring system located within said housing;
an optical sensor utilizing an optical measuring system located within said housing;
an electronic operating means, comprising:
a power supply derived from batteries supported within a battery compartment located within said housing;
an on/off switch in electrical communication with said power supply,
a circuit board in electrical communication with said on/off switch, further comprising control electronics and software to calculate a measured length upon receipt of an input signal from said mechanical sensor or optical sensor, and generating an output display signal comprising said measured length to said digital display;
and,
a selector switch in electrical communication with said circuit board, for providing a selected measuring mode, comprising said mechanical or optical measuring system;
a digital display module located thereon a perimeter of said housing;
comprising a user interface display of either a light emitting diode display (LED) or a liquid crystal diode display (LCD) in both English and metric units, said user interface display for display of said measured length of said elongate material upon receipt of said output signal of said circuit board and a reset button located adjacent to said user interface display and in electrical communication with said circuit board for providing a reset signal, thereby returning the user interface display to zero;
and,
wherein said elongate material is fed through said central portal opening such that said length can be accurately measured.

10 more elements

A method of accurately measuring a length of an elongate material by means of a portable measuring system, comprising the steps of:

providing said system, further comprising:
circular disk-shaped housing with a central portal opening in the range between and including one and three inches in diameter;
a mechanical sensor utilizing a mechanical measuring system located within said housing;
an optical sensor utilizing an optical measuring system located within said housing;
an electronic operating means, comprising:
a digital display module located thereon a perimeter of said housing;
comprising a user interface display of either a light emitting diode display (LED) or a liquid crystal diode display (LCD) in both English and metric units, said user interface display for display of said measured length of said elongate material upon receipt of said output signal of said circuit board and a reset button located adjacent to said user interface display and in electrical communication with said circuit board for providing a reset signal, thereby returning the user interface display to zero;
providing power to said system by installing batteries into said battery compartment;
activating said system by switching said on/off switch to an ON position;
resetting said digital display module to zero by pressing said reset button to acquire a zero display, and verifying that said user interface display reads zero;
selecting a desired measuring system by switching said selector switch to either an OPTO position, thereby selecting said optical measuring system, or to an MECH position, thereby selecting said mechanical measuring system;
feeding said elongate material therethrough said central portal opening until obtaining a desired length, or feeding an entire length of said elongate material therethrough said central portal opening to calculate a total length of said elongate material;
acquiring said measured length via said desired measuring system;
making a note of said measured length displayed thereon said user interface display;
and,
repeating said method as many times as required by depressing said reset button to reacquire said zero display.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automatic cord length measuring device

Life of this patent

Automatic cord length measuring device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20