Handbook 44 – 2009 

Section 5 

Page 

5.50. Fabric-Measuring Devices...................................................................................................5-3

5.51. Wire- and Cordage-Measuring Devices ..............................................................................5-7

5.52. Linear Measures ................................................................................................................5-11

5.53. Odometers..........................................................................................................................5-13

5.54. Taximeters .........................................................................................................................5-17

5.55. Timing Devices .................................................................................................................5-23

5.56.(a) Grain Moisture Meters ......................................................................................................5-27

5.56.(b) Grain Moisture Meters ......................................................................................................5-37

5.57. Near-Infrared Grain Analyzers .........................................................................................5-45

5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices...........................................................................5-53

5.59. Electronic Livestock, Meat, and Poultry Evaluation Systems and/or Devices – 

Tentative Code ..................................................................................................................5-63

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Handbook 44 – 2009 

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Handbook 44 – 2009 5.50. Fabric-Measuring Devices 

Section 5.50. Fabric-Measuring Devices 

A. Application 

A.1. This code applies only to mechanisms and machines designed to indicate automatically (with or without 

value-computing capabilities) the length of fabric passed through the measuring elements. 

A.2. Insofar as they are clearly appropriate, the requirements and provisions of this code apply also to devices designed 

for the commercial measurement of other material similar to fabrics, in sheet, roll, or bolt form. 

A.3. See also Section 1.10. General Code requirements. 

S. Specifications 

S.1. Units. – A fabric-measuring device shall indicate lengths in terms of 10 cm (1

/8 yd), 25 cm (1⁄4 yd), 50 cm (1⁄2 yd), and 

meters (yd). In addition, lengths may be indicated in terms of any or all of the following subdivisions: 30 cm (1⁄3 yd), 

6 cm (1

/16 yd), meters and centimeters (feet and inches). Digital indicators may indicate values in decimal fractions. 

(Amended 1977) 

S.2. Design of Indicating Elements.

S.2.1. Graduations.

S.2.1.1. Length. – Graduations shall be so varied in length that they may be conveniently read. 

S.2.1.2. Width. – In any series of graduations, the width of a graduation shall in no case be greater than the 

width of the minimum clear interval between graduations, and the width of main graduations shall be not more 

than 50 % greater than the width of subordinate graduations. Graduations shall in no case be less than 0.2 mm 

(0.008 in) in width. 

S.2.1.3. Clear Interval Between Graduations. - The clear interval between graduations shall be at least 6 mm 

for cm graduations (1⁄4 in for 1

/8 yd graduations), and 3 mm for 20 cm graduations (1/8 in for 1 in graduations). 

S.2.2. Indicator.

S.2.2.1. Symmetry. – The index of an indicator shall be symmetrical with respect to the graduations, at least 

throughout that portion of its length associated with the graduations. 

S.2.2.2. Length. – The index of an indicator shall reach to the finest graduations with which it is used, unless 

the indicator and the graduations are in the same plane, in which case the distance between the end of the 

indicator and the ends of the graduations, measured along the line of the graduations, shall be not more than 

1.0 mm (0.04 in). 

S.2.2.3. Width. – The index of an indicator shall not be wider than the narrowest graduations with which it is 

used, and shall in no case exceed 0.4 mm (0.015 in). 

S.2.2.4. Clearance. – The clearance between the index of an indicator and the graduations shall in no case be 

more than 1.5 mm (0.06 in). 

S.2.2.5. Parallax. – Parallax effects shall be reduced to the practicable minimum. 

S.2.3. Money-Value Computations.

S.2.3.1. Full-Computing Type. – In this type, the money value at each of a series of unit prices shall be 

computed automatically for every length within the range of measurement of the fabric-measuring device. Value 

graduations shall be provided and shall be accurately positioned. The value of each graduated interval shall be 

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5.50. Fabric-Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2009 

1 cent at all prices per yard of 30 cents and less, and shall not exceed 2 cents at higher prices per yard. Five-cent 

intervals may be represented in the 2-cent range by special graduations, but these shall not be positioned in the 

clear intervals between graduations of the regular series. 

S.2.3.2. Limited-Computing Type. – In this type, the money value at each of a series of unit prices shall be 

computed automatically only for lengths corresponding to a definite series of length graduations. There shall be 

no value graduations. At no position that the chart can assume shall two value figures at the same price per yard 

be completely and clearly exposed to view at one time. Money values shown shall be mathematically accurate, 

except that a fraction of less than 1⁄2 cent shall be dropped and the next higher cent shall be shown in the case of a 

fraction of 1⁄2 cent or more. One of the following requirements shall be met: 

(a) There shall be a money-value computation for each length graduation within the range of measurement 

of the device. 

(b) No money-value computation shall be exposed to view except at such times as the device shows a 

length indication for which a corresponding series of value indications is computed. 

(c) Each column or row of money-value computations shall be marked to show the length to which the 

computations correspond, the device shall be marked to show the character and limitations of the 

computations, and there shall be computations corresponding to at least 10 cm (1

/8 yd) throughout the 

range of measurement of the device. 

S.2.4. Return to Zero. – Primary indicating elements shall be readily returnable to a definite zero indication. Means 

shall be provided to prevent the return of the indicating elements beyond their correct zero positions. 

S.3. Marking Requirements. – If a device will not accurately measure all fabrics, it shall be marked to indicate clearly 

its limitations. 

S.4. Design Accuracy. – Indications of length and money value shall be accurate whether the values of the indications 

are being increased or decreased. 

N. Notes 

N.1. Testing Medium. – A fabric-measuring device shall be tested with a suitable testing tape approximately 7.62 cm 

(3 in) wide and with a graduated length of at least 11 m (12 yd), made from such material and having such surface finish 

as to provide dimensional stability and reduce slippage to the practicable minimum. 

T. Tolerances 

T.1. Tolerance Values. - Maintenance and acceptance tolerances shall be as shown in Table 1. Maintenance and 

Acceptance Tolerances for Fabric-Measuring Devices. 

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Handbook 44 – 2009 5.50. Fabric-Measuring Devices 

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Table 1. 

Maintenance and Acceptance Tolerances 

for Fabric-Measuring Devices

Maintenance Tolerance Acceptance Tolerance Indication of 

Device 

(yards) 

On Underregistration 

(inches) 

On Overregistration 

(inches) 

On Underregistration 

(inches) 

On Overregistration 

(inches) 

2 or less 3/8 1⁄41⁄4 1/8

3 3/8 5/16 1⁄4 5/32

4 1⁄2 5/16 1⁄4 5/32

5 5/8 3/8 5/16 3/16

6 3⁄4 3/8 3/8 3/16

7 and 8 1 1⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄4 

9 11⁄4 5/8 5/8 5/16

10 and 11 11⁄2 3⁄4 3⁄4 3/8

12 and 13 13⁄4 7/8 7/8 7/16

14 and 15 2 1 1 1⁄2 

Over 15 Add 1/8 inch 

per indicated yard 

Add 1/16 inch 

per indicated yard 

Add 1/16 inch 

per indicated yard 

Add 1/32 inch 

per indicated yard 

UR. User Requirements 

UR.1. Installation Requirements.

UR.1.1. Installation. – A fabric-measuring device shall be securely supported and firmly fixed in position. 

UR.2. Use Requirements.

UR.2.1. Limitation of Use. – A fabric-measuring device shall be used to measure only those fabrics that it was 

designed to measure, and in no case shall it be used to measure a fabric that a marking on the device indicates should 

not be measured. 

UR.2.2. Return of Indicating Elements to Zero. – The primary indicating elements shall be returned to zero before 

each measurement. 
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