A positioning device includes a support member configured to carry a workpiece, a plurality of pins positioned on the support member, and a plurality of telescoping mechanisms positioned on the support member. Each of the telescoping mechanisms comprises a driving member and a rotating member connected to the driving member. The positioning pins slidably pass through the support member and are pivotably connected to an opposite end of the rotating member. The rotating member rotates relative to the support member via the driving member to adjust an extending length of the positioning pins relative to the support member.

A method and apparatus for identifying locations for holes for a stackup of parts. In one illustrative example, a required edge distance for a hole for the stackup of the parts is identified. A measurement tool is selected based on the required edge distance identified for the hole. The measurement tool comprises a circular section having an edge and an indicator centrally located with respect to the edge of the circular section. The edge of the circular section of the measurement tool is associated with a part in the stackup of the parts. A location on the part for a center of the hole for the stackup of the parts is identified using the indicator.

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 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 using a computer with control software.

Provided is a reference point indicating apparatus, which is comprises an equilateral parallelogram being formed with rotatable link points, contacts provided at tips of extending portions obtained by extending respective sides of the equilateral parallelogram, a link plate for linking between middle points of one set of opposing sides of the equilateral parallelogram, and an indicator provided on the link plate, wherein the contacts are capable of abutting on an object by expansion and contraction of the equilateral parallelogram, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate a reference point of the object in a state where the contacts abut on the object.

When an index table is installed on a rotary table in a surface shape measuring device, deterioration in measurement accuracy can be suppressed. The surface shape measuring device includes: a rotary table which is configured to place a workpiece thereon and to be freely rotatable around a rotation center axis; and a detector configured to detect a displacement of a probe brought into contact with the workpiece. The rotary table has a centering mechanism configured to align a center axis of the workpiece and the rotation center axis. An index table freely detachably mounted on the rotary table is provided, the index table configured so as to be able to perform indexing along a first axis and a second axis which are perpendicular to the rotation center axis. Eccentric load cancelling means configured to cancel an eccentric load caused by the indexing of the index table is provided.

When an index table is installed on a rotary table in a surface shape measuring device, deterioration in measurement accuracy can be suppressed. The surface shape measuring device includes: a rotary table which is configured to place a workpiece thereon and to be freely rotatable around a rotation center axis; and a detector configured to detect a displacement of a probe brought into contact with the workpiece. The rotary table has a centering mechanism configured to align a center axis of the workpiece and the rotation center axis. An index table freely detachably mounted on the rotary table is provided, the index table configured so as to be able to perform indexing along a first axis and a second axis which are perpendicular to the rotation center axis. Eccentric load cancelling means configured to cancel an eccentric load caused by the indexing of the index table is provided.

Disclosed is a system and method for using a digital measuring device to install a structure. For example, the system can be used to install hurricane shutters over a window or door of a dwelling. Alternatively, the system can be used to install decorative shutters, shelving, or window treatments. Other example will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The present system is beneficial in any situation where taking accurate measurements is critical to the proper installation of a structure. The system employs a digital measuring device that wirelessly communicates with a mobile computing device. In one embodiment, the measuring device is a tape measure and the mobile computing device is a phone or table computer. The mobile computing device is preferably used to demonstrate to the user what measurements need to be taken. After the user takes the required measurements, the accuracy and sufficiency of the measurements are thereafter confirmed via the mobile computing device.

A measuring system comprising a measuring apparatus including a first portion comprising a first casing, a first length measuring body, a first length measuring device, and a first reference point. A first end of the first length measuring body is attached to the first casing, a second end extends away from the first casing, the first length measuring device measures a first distance between the second end and the first reference point; a second portion comprising a second casing, a second length measuring body, a second length measuring device, and a second reference point. A first end of the second length measuring body is attached to the second casing, a second end extends away from the second casing, the second length measuring device measures a second distance between the second end and the second reference point. The first and second portion are coupled and rotate relative to each other.

A device for measuring and cutting soft materials, wherein the device has a lower section and an upper section, the lower section having a bottom surface and a top surface, and at least one opening extending from the top surface to the lower surface. Bendable means on the upper section, and at least one piercing object carried by the bendable means, wherein the bendable means bends in response to a downward force applied to it, causing the piercing means to move through the opening and engage the soft material, said bendable means being self-retracting so that it returns to a natural resting position when the force ceases to exist, causing the piercing object to disengage from the soft material.

A modular gage system includes a base plate having an array of holes and a coordinate system to identify each hole. The modular gage system further includes a plurality of risers and at least one form block. Each riser is assigned to a particular hole and the at least one form block is configured to be positioned atop one or more of the risers. Moreover, each form block is assigned to be located over a particular hole.