By using multihead measuring tape, procedure to obtain length and angle measurement on either wood or metal stock is reduced to one step. Length and angle of measurement can be locked in on measuring device for repetitive measurements. Measuring tape can be used for layout work or to duplicate length and angle of existing stock

Posey, D. L.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

June 1973	 B73-10193 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Langley Research Center 	 4r 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service. Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Multihead Measuring Tape 
.
The problem: 
The procedure to obtain a length and angle measure-
ment on either wood or metal stock requires two 
separate operations. Each requires a different device and 
is thought to be too time consuming and error yielding. 
The solution: 
By using the multthead measuring tape, the pro-
cedure to obtain a length and angle measurement is 
reduced to one step, saving time and providing for 
greater accuracy. Additionally, the length and angle of 
the measurement can be locked in on the measuring 
device for repetitive measurements. 
How it's done: 
The multihead measuring tape (see illustration) con-
sists of a measuring tape cartridge (for length) and a 
variety of angle measuring heads to which the tape 
cartridge is attached. The heads may be a framing square 
for measuring 900 or square angles on wood stock, a 
T-square for measuring 900 or square angles on metal 
stock, or a protractor, of sufficient size to insure reason-
able accuracy, for measuring all angles on either wood or 
metal stock.
Angle Indication Plate
The application of the protractor head is simplified 
by the utilization of a sliding angular indication plate 
and swing arm assembly that enables the user to align 
on full increments at any angle. This eliminates the 
need to calculate fractions of an inch to achieve the 
desired angle. 
The unit, tape cartridge and applicable head, is 
assembled by means of a magnet mounted flush on the 
bottom of the tape cartridge case to support the weight 
of the cartridge. Additionally, aligning pins (not shown), 
also mounted on the bottom of the case, absorb shear 
loads and insure correct positioning of the two com-
ponents. This simple arrangement provides speedy as- 
sembly and disassembly. 
All the components (tape cartridge, T-squares, pro-
tractor, etc.) are conventional industrial tools and re-
tain their original, individual functions slightly modified 
for use as a component. 
The multihead measuring tape can best be used for 
layout work or to determine and/or duplicate the length 
and angle of existing stock. Its other applications are 
almost unlimited.
Protractor 
.	 Multihead Measuring Tape
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730000193 2020-03-17T07:09:05+00:00Z
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Langley Research Center 
Mail Stop 139A 
Hampton, Virginia 23665 
Reference: B73-10193
Patent status: 
Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use 
use of this invention should be addressed to: 
Patent Counsel 
Langley Research Center 
Mail Stop 456 
Hampton, Virginia 23665 
Source: Donald L. Posey 
Langley Research Center 
(LAR-1 1266)
S 
. 
B7340193	 Category 07


Multihead measuring tape

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