Abstract: A tape measure (11) is provided having a first plate (13), a second plate (15), and a spool assembly positioned between the first and second plates. In one embodiment, the first plate includes a central hub (17) and a plurality of upright posts (25), the combination being integrally formed from a single piece of plastic material. In one embodiment, the spool assembly includes a spiral spring (53), a tape (51), a spring-retaining disc (31) having a central hole (35) and an upright intermediate wall (41) with a slot opening (47), an upper disc (33), and a connector (55). In an assembled state, one end of the spiral spring engages the hub, while the other end of the spiral spring engages one end of the connector. The other end of the connector extends through the upright intermediate wall slot opening and engages one end of the tape. The connector second end is held outward of the wall slot in a manner prohibiting its passage back therethrough during use.

Abstract: A gearless, open-faced, direct-drive, spring-rewound tape measure eliminates the need for a manual-rewind handle or gears to increase the spring tensioning force. A spiral spring is retained within a spring-retaining disk which is revolvable about a hub. The hub may be attached to the cover plate and the spring tension adjusted by revolving the cover plate while the spring-retaining disk remains stationary. Alternatively, the cover plate may be coupled through an input disk to revolve the spring-retaining disk and to adjust the tension of a spring which is retained within a spring-retaining well of the spring-retaining disk. In ordinary use, the cover plate is restricted from revolving by compression lock rings which sandwich the cover plate. The tape measure may include a brake to allow holding the tape in an unwound condition.

Abstract: A heating system utilizing solar panels and buried ground conduits to collect and store heat which is delivered to a heat-pump heat exchanger. A heat-distribution fluid continuously circulates through a ground circuit to transfer heat from the ground to the heat exchanger. The ground circuit includes a length of buried ground conduit, a pump, a check valve and the heat exchanger. A solar circuit, including a solar panel and a second pump, is connected in parallel with the check valve so that the distribution fluid transfers solar heat to the heat exchanger for utilization and to the ground conduit for storage when the second pump is energized. A thermostatically instrumented control system energizes the second pump only when the temperature differential between the solar panel inlet and outlet temperatures exceeds a predetermined value and the ground temperature is less than a predetermined value.