Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The tape measure includes a fluid-based retraction speed controller. The speed controller may be formed from a rotor/stator arrangement. The rotor is coupled to the reel and the stator is coupled to the housing opposing the rotor. The rotor converts some rotational energy from tape reel into movement of a fluid (e.g., movement of air, movement of oil, etc. through friction) which acts to slow or limit the retraction/rotational speed of the reel as the retraction spring expands driving the reel during tape blade retraction.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The spring-based retraction system includes a motor spring system that drives a tape reel during tape retraction. The output drum of the motor spring system is coupled to the tape reel such that rotation of the reel causes rotation of the output drum. The output drum is located adjacent to the tape reel, and the output drum and tape reel may have a common axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank including a fuel inlet. A fuel cap is threadably engageable with the fuel inlet. The fuel cap has a grip provided for manipulation by a user. A vent path extends between a vent channel and the interior of the fuel tank. In a first configuration, the fuel cap is fully threaded to the fuel inlet to a fully closed position. The assembly is operable to transition to a second configuration in which the vent path is unobstructed and the fuel cap is fully threaded to the fuel inlet to the fully closed position. To enable unthreading of the fuel cap from the fuel inlet, the fuel tank assembly is operable to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a movement that does not alter the threaded engagement with the fuel inlet.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank including a fuel inlet. A fuel cap is threadably engageable with the fuel inlet. The fuel cap has a grip provided for manipulation by a user. A vent path extends between a vent channel and the interior of the fuel tank. In a first configuration, the fuel cap is fully threaded to the fuel inlet to a fully closed position. The assembly is operable to transition to a second configuration in which the vent path is unobstructed and the fuel cap is fully threaded to the fuel inlet to the fully closed position. To enable unthreading of the fuel cap from the fuel inlet, the fuel tank assembly is operable to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a movement that does not alter the threaded engagement with the fuel inlet.