Abstract: An improved measuring tape which allows both inside and outside dimensions to be read directly from the same printed face of the tape. The tape measure comprises a case having a tape coiled inside the case and extending out of the case through a slot in the case. Inside the case is a guide wheel which guides the tape along a bottom wall of the case. The front wall of the case is transparent so that the graduations on the tape can be seen adjacent to the bottom wall. A pointer on the case points to the graduations such that when the tape is fully retracted, the pointer points to a measurement corresponding to the width if the case. This enables the case and the tape to be used to make inside measurements. Another embodiment includes a lock which secures the tape at any extended position, and a brake which slows the tape on retraction and prevents damage to the tape or to the end hook.

Abstract: An improved measuring tape which allows both inside and outside dimensions to be read directly from the same printed face of the tape. The tape measure comprises a case having a tape coiled inside the case and extending out of the case through a slot in the case. Inside the case is a guide wheel which guides the tape along a bottom wall of the case. The front wall of the case is transparent so that the graduations on the tape can be seen adjacent to the bottom wall. A pointer on the case points to the graduations such that when the tape is fully retracted, the pointer points to a measurement corresponding to the width if the case. This enables the case and the tape to be used to make inside measurements.

Abstract: A boat including a main hull, a first pontoon hingedly connected to the main hull, and a second pontoon hingedly connected to the main hull on an opposite side of the main hull from the first pontoon. The first and second pontoons have wheels extending outwardly beyond a surface of the first and second pontoons. The first pontoon is selectively movable between a first position extending outwardly of the main hull and a second position extending below the main hull. The first wheel extends below the first pontoon when in the second position. The second pontoon is also selectively movable between a first position extending outwardly from the main hull and a second position extending below the main hull. The second wheel extends below the second pontoon when in the second position. A first strut section extends between the main hull and the first pontoon. A second strut section extends between the main hull and the second pontoon. The strut sections include deck surfaces extending across the boat.

Abstract: This invention is an improved bilingual dictionary in which cognates are physically distinguished from other words. Cognates are words which are identical in meaning and similar in spelling in two languages. Such words are distinguished from other words in the dictionary by being printed against a distinctly colored background, by being printed with distinctly colored ink, by being printed in a distinguishing typeface, by location in a column of words, or by adjacent symbols. The object of this bilingual dictionary is to facilitate a student's recognition and appreciation of the number of words in a second language which the student already knows without additional study.

Abstract: A greenhouse or the like comprising a frame formed from water carrying conduits which support panels capable of transmitting heat and light from the sun whereby radiant energy from the sun will pass through the panels and heat the space inside the house as well as the water in the conduits. The heated water in the conduits may be used to heat the greenhouse at night or as a supplementary system for a conventional home water heater.