A measuring instrument that includes a main body and a slide arm. The main body has a first plate with a first set of measuring identifiers, a second plate with a second set of measuring identifiers, a channel between the first plate and the second plate, and a measuring arm. The slide arm has a measuring arm and a slide rail. The slide rail is positioned within the channel and movable relative to the main body. The slide rail also has a plurality of measuring markers that can align with at least one of the measuring identifiers.

A height measuring tool may include a body member configured to releasably couple to an implant component. A slidable member having a distal end surface may be coupled to the body member. A height reference member may also be coupled to the body member. Movement of the sliding member in a distal direction in relation to the body member may cause corresponding movement of the height reference member in the distal direction when the sliding member is engaged to the height reference member and the height reference member is in an unlocked state. Generally, when an implant component is attached to the height measuring tool, a user may insert the implant component at least partially into a bone, with the slidable member and the height reference member used in conjunction to objectively mark off a height of the implant component relative to the bone.

A height measuring tool may include a body member configured to releasably couple to an implant component. A slidable member having a distal end surface may be coupled to the body member. A height reference member may also be coupled to the body member. Movement of the sliding member in a distal direction in relation to the body member may cause corresponding movement of the height reference member in the distal direction when the sliding member is engaged to the height reference member and the height reference member is in an unlocked state. Generally, when an implant component is attached to the height measuring tool, a user may insert the implant component at least partially into a bone, with the slidable member and the height reference member used in conjunction to objectively mark off a height of the implant component relative to the bone.

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.

An improvement in the process of pillow selection is described, allowing customers to select a pillow that is appropriate for them in a less random manner. First, a method of selecting a pillow for a user is disclosed, comprising the steps of locating the user with a shoulder thereof adjacent a flat rigid surface, orienting the user substantially transverse to the surface, measuring a spacing between the surface and a proximate side of the user's head, and selecting at least one pillow from a group of pillows, based on the measured spacing. The rigid surface is ideally upright, such as a wall. The group of pillows can be divided into a plurality of sub-groups, each sub-group containing a plurality of pillows with substantially like thickness. Thus, based on the reading, the user can be invited to choose any pillow from a specific group or range of pillows. Second, an apparatus for assisting in the selection of a pillow is disclosed, comprising an extending center section located between a pair of opposing end plates, the center section having a visible indicia indicative of a distance between the end plates. The center section is ideally telescopic, and can comprise an inner and an outer telescopic sleeve, the visible indicia then being provided on the inner telescopic sleeve. A series of colored bands as the visible indicia allows the relevant group of pillows to be identified easily, quickly and unambiguously.

An improvement in the process of pillow selection is described, allowing customers to select a pillow that is appropriate for them in a less random manner. First, a method of selecting a pillow for a user is disclosed, comprising the steps of locating the user with a shoulder thereof adjacent a flat rigid surface, orienting the user substantially transverse to the surface, measuring a spacing between the surface and a proximate side of the user's head, and selecting at least one pillow from a group of pillows, based on the measured spacing. The rigid surface is ideally upright, such as a wall. The group of pillows can be divided into a plurality of sub-groups, each sub-group containing a plurality of pillows with substantially like thickness. Thus, based on the reading, the user can be invited to choose any pillow from a specific group or range of pillows. Second, an apparatus for assisting in the selection of a pillow is disclosed, comprising an extending center section located between a pair of opposing end plates, the center section having a visible indicia indicative of a distance between the end plates. The center section is ideally telescopic, and can comprise an inner and an outer telescopic sleeve, the visible indicia then being provided on the inner telescopic sleeve. A series of colored bands as the visible indicia allows the relevant group of pillows to be identified easily, quickly and unambiguously.

A tool is provided for characterizing a blade geometry. The tool includes a first component attachable to a blade root of a blade and a second component attachable to leading and trailing edges of the blade at a blade tip and at multiple stations defined along a span-wise dimension of the blade. The second component is configured for characterization of a chord length of the blade at the blade tip and at the multiple stations. The first and second components are respectively configured for cooperative optical characterization of a sweep and a twist angle of the blade at the blade tip and at the multiple stations.

A tool is provided for characterizing a blade geometry. The tool includes a first component attachable to a blade root of a blade and a second component attachable to leading and trailing edges of the blade at a blade tip and at multiple stations defined along a span-wise dimension of the blade. The second component is configured for characterization of a chord length of the blade at the blade tip and at the multiple stations. The first and second components are respectively configured for cooperative optical characterization of a sweep and a twist angle of the blade at the blade tip and at the multiple stations.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for quickly and accurately measuring fastener sizes as disclosed.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for quickly and accurately measuring fastener sizes as disclosed.