A system for obtaining spatial measurements between objects such as crops in an agricultural field. The system includes a measurement device including a motorized reel containing a wound length of measuring line, and electronic encoder with shaft rotated in opposing directions by dispensing or retrieving measuring line. A pivotably movable spring-biased tension arm maintains tension in the line when being rewound. The tension arm is responsive to changes in line tension and configured to automatically start the motor to rewind the line onto the reel based on angular position of the arm. A gear train includes a translatable shuttle gear which selectively couples the reel to the motor based on movement of the tension arm. The encoder converts rotary motion of its shaft into linear field measurements. In one implementation, the tension arm comprises an inboard arm and outboard arm with translatable pulley coupled thereto by an articulated joint.

A system for measuring fence posts in a fence run includes a leading unit and a trailing unit. The leading unit includes a first measurement wire extending through a first rotary encoder and terminating in a second rotary encoder, a second measurement wire terminating in a third rotary encoder, and a third measurement wire terminating in a fourth rotary encoder, as well as a clamp to secure the leading unit to a fence post. The trailing unit includes a first rotary encoder to engage with the first measurement wire of the leading unit and a measurement wire terminating in a second rotary encoder, as well as a clamp to secure the trailing unit to a fence post.

A system for obtaining spatial measurements between objects such as crops in an agricultural field. The system includes a measurement device including a motorized reel containing a wound length of measuring line, and electronic encoder with shaft rotated in opposing directions by dispensing or retrieving measuring line. A pivotably movable spring-biased tension arm maintains tension in the line when being rewound. The tension arm is responsive to changes in line tension and configured to automatically start the motor to rewind the line onto the reel based on angular position of the arm. A gear train includes a translatable shuttle gear which selectively couples the reel to the motor based on movement of the tension arm. The encoder converts rotary motion of its shaft into linear field measurements. In one implementation, the tension arm comprises an inboard arm and outboard arm with translatable pulley coupled thereto by an articulated joint.

Cable-actuated position sensors are described that employ multiple block and tackle arrangements to measure displacement of a draw wire or flexible cable. The disclosed sensors are relatively small and inexpensive. The disclosed sensors may also be used as part of a servo motor, or in conjunction with gear motors to provide positional information for operation of the gear motor.

A tracking system has a first tracking module and a second tracking module, the position and/or orientation of which relative to each other can be determined by means of a sensor device of the tracking system to determine relative movements of a first vehicle part of a set of vehicles relative to a second vehicle part of the set of vehicles that is movably connected to the first vehicle part. The first tracking module is connected to the first vehicle part and the second tracking module is connected to the second vehicle part.

Cable-actuated position sensors are described that employ multiple block and tackle arrangements to measure displacement of a draw wire or flexible cable. The disclosed sensors are relatively small and inexpensive. The disclosed sensors may also be used as part of a servo motor, or in conjunction with gear motors to provide positional information for operation of the gear motor.

Cable-actuated position sensors are described that employ multiple block and tackle arrangements to measure displacement of a draw wire or flexible cable. The disclosed sensors are relatively small and inexpensive. The disclosed sensors may also be used as part of a servo motor, or in conjunction with gear motors to provide positional information for operation of the gear motor.

In various example embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for a waist measuring belt are provided. An example waist measuring belt is made up of a belt buckle frame with attachments for a belt strap. The belt further includes a position measuring module coupled to the belt buckle frame that measures an attachment position of a second end of the belt strap to the belt buckle frame. The belt also includes a tension measuring module coupled to the belt buckle frame that measures a tension through the belt buckle frame and the belt strap. A memory and a wireless communication module attached to the belt may be used to store measurements and communicate with a mobile device or server. In various embodiments, estimated user waist sizes over time using measured values and belt-specific data may be used to estimate a user's waist size and generate a waist size history.

In various example embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for a waist measuring belt are provided. An example waist measuring belt is made up of a belt buckle frame with attachments for a belt strap. The belt further includes a position measuring module coupled to the belt buckle frame that measures an attachment position of a second end of the belt strap to the belt buckle frame. The belt also includes a tension measuring module coupled to the belt buckle frame that measures a tension through the belt buckle frame and the belt strap. A memory and a wireless communication module attached to the belt may be used to store measurements and communicate with a mobile device or server. In various embodiments, estimated user waist sizes over time using measured values and belt-specific data may be used to estimate a user's waist size and generate a waist size history.

A position sensor (1.1, 1.2) for a working cylinder (2.1, 2.2) with a cable drum (4.1, 4.2), a cable (5) with a piston anchor (7.1, 7.2) and an interface (13.1, 13.2) for determining a position and a movement of a piston (3.1, 3.2) of the working cylinder (2.1, 2.2), the position sensor (1.1, 1.2) is to be operatively connected to the working cylinder (2.1, 2.2) from outside in the area of a cylinder head (15.1, 15.2).