Abstract: A tape measure having a quick rewinding mechanism. The mechanism includes a gear assembly having a first drive gear, a second drive gear, and an idler gear set having first, second, third, and fourth idler gears each meshed with the first drive gear, wherein the idler gears are equally spaced around the first drive gear for uniformly distributing a generated force to the idler gears while rewinding the tape measure device.

Abstract: A manual/auto dual-mode reversible measuring tape includes a tape marked with marks for measuring, the tape having a longitudinal series of tooth holes, a shaft coupled to the housing of the measuring tape by a slip joint, a gear fixedly mounted on the shaft and adapted to mesh with the tooth holes of the tape, a reversible direct current motor connected to a direct current power source and adapted to rotate the gear in moving the tape in and out of the housing of the measuring tape, a manual/auto control switch controlled to move the shaft between a first position where the gear is forced into engagement with the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be automatically moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape upon rotation of the reversible direct current motor, and a second position where the gear is disengaged from the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape by hand, and switch means, which controls the connection of th

Abstract: A manual/auto dual-mode reversible measuring tape includes a tape marked with marks for measuring, the tape having a longitudinal series of tooth holes, a shaft coupled to the housing of the measuring tape by a slip joint, a gear fixedly mounted on the shaft and adapted to mesh with the tooth holes of the tape, a reversible direct current motor connected to a direct current power source and adapted to rotate the gear in moving the tape in and out of the housing of the measuring tape, a manual/auto control switch controlled to move the shaft between a first position where the gear is forced into engagement with the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be automatically moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape upon rotation of the reversible direct current motor, and a second position where the gear is disengaged from the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape by hand, and switch means, which controls the connection of th

Abstract: A measuring and scribing device having a “clam shell” housing, having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper end, and having a lower end. Within the housing is mounted a spirally wound alternately forwardly extendable and rearwardly retractable measuring tape. Along the rear wall of the housing is mounted an alternately downwardly extendable and upwardly retractable surface scribing implement. The surface scribing implement is upwardly spring biased to a safe position within the housing. An operative mechanical linkage between a hook end of the measuring tape and a latch for holding the scribing implement in an extended position, allows release of the latch upon retraction of the tape, automatically retracting the surface scribing implement upon retraction of the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure. The tape measure includes a lock device at a bottom opening, an engagement device, and an abutment device. To pull or rewind tape, the front end of control device is pressed to cause both the lock device and the engagement device to pivot upwards, thus allowing tape to be pulled or rewound freely. When the lock device is released, this causes both the lock device and engagement device to pivot in a reverse direction for locking tape. The locking/unlocking of tape is effected in an up-and-down movement of the front end of the lock device.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor comprises a housing accommodating a measuring cable drum and a rotary spring operable to urge the cable drum in the direction of winding thereon a measuring cable. A rotary angle sensor is mounted to the housing on the outside thereof. The rotary angle sensor has a sensor shaft with a projecting end trunnion portion. The cable drum is fixed on the sensor shaft trunnion portion non-rotatably in concentric relationship thereon. The travel sensor is of a compact structure, in particular in its axial direction, and simple and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: A tape measure usable for positioning and repositioning an object on a vertical surface comprises a housing having a planar forward surface, a rearward surface spaced from the forward surface, and a cavity having an aperture therein. A flexible, retractable, coiled tape measure is mounted in the housing the working end of which extends through the aperture in the housing. A pin is provided at the distal end of the tape for marking a point on a surface. The housing has a second pin thereon which is axially moveable from an extended position to a retracted position such that it is useable as a marker when the pin is in the extended position. The rearward surface of the housing has a 360° angle measuring device for measuring the angle at which the housing is oriented with respect to an edge defined by the intersection of a side panel and the forward surface of the housing.

Abstract: A flexible rule rewinding device comprised of a front cover plate, a rear cover plate, a winding shaft, a center gear, two gears, a flexible rule reel mount, and a cover plate capable of rewinding long distance flexible rules rapidly and with little effort to thereby increase flexible rule practicality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power-movement tape measure that has a tape wound on a spool rotatably mounted on a housing shaft. An electric motor having a worm gear affixed to its output slat is engaged in the external toothing of the spool. This motor is provided for driving the tape at a controlled speed both out of the housing and retracting the tape back into the housing. A switch energizes and selects the direction of the motor. The switch may be of constant speed or speed controlling type. The worm gear and spool toothing drive reduction mechanism also serves as resistance to unwanted tape movement, since a force applied to move the tape and spool imparts only a small vector of this force in a direction to spin the worm gear and motor. A rechargeable or a disposable battery may be contained in a housing battery receptacle for powering the motor. A flexible strap, that slides on part of the outer diameter of the tape, may be included to prevent the tape from uncoiling from the spool.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel extendable outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. An end hook member on the free end of the blade includes a hook portion and a mounting portion extending generally perpendicular from the hook portion. The housing opening has a height dimension which exceeds the height dimension of the hook member mounting portion and its connection with the free end of the blade an amount which is at least approximately equal to an amount the hook portion extends below the bottom end surface of the housing assembly when at the housing opening.

Abstract: A spring-loaded tape cartridge in a tape measure housing includes a coilable tape rotatably mounted to position a free end of the tape to pass through an opening in the housing. The tape cartridge is biased to retract the tape into the compartment when the free end is pulled out of the housing to perform a measurement. A stop tab at the free end engages the workpiece and assures that the free end remains outside housing and available for gripping. An internal spring portion acts between the housing and the tape cartridge for applying a substantially constant frictional force on the tape cartridge. A second spring portion is provided for selectively applying increased and decreased frictional forces on the tape cartridge to supplement the substantially constant frictional forces.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a housing, a distance measuring apparatus carried on the housing, one or more housing orientation indicators, and a focused light beam source. Using the housing orientation indicators, the housing can be properly oriented so that a focused light beam emitted by the focused light beam source will illuminate a point on a remote surface to accurately transfer the position of the housing to the remote surface.

Abstract: A measuring tape dispenser with an impact buffer housing and tentative tape halting device, in which the housing is at least or partially covered with an impact buffer layer formed of an elastic material so as to protect the housing from being deformed or even destroyed. Furthermore, a slip resistant effect and tentative tape halting device is also provided.

Abstract: A marking attachment for attachment to a linear or angle-measuring system has a support, means for attaching the support to the measuring device, a marking element attached to the support for marking on a surface (the marking element having a predetermined height), and a resilient element whereby the marking element is maintained in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface until the support is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to contact the surface with the marking material for marking the surface. The marking element preferably comprises a marking material including an oleate-based pigment ink for marking the surface. The resilient element for maintaining the marking element in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface preferably comprises a quantity of elastomeric material disposed adjacent to marking element, the quantity of elastomeric material having an uncompressed thickness greater than the height of marking element.

Abstract: A measurement and marking tool comprising a horizontal member having attachment means for securing a tape measure thereto, and a vertical member emanating from and arranged perpendicularly to the horizontal member. The tool is especially useful in measuring and marking stud placement in carpentry.

Abstract: A retaining adapter for a mechanical measuring tape device extends the versatility of the tape device for construction workers. The retaining adapter can be removable, part of, or fixed to the housing of the mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter has a drop hook and a drag hook, either of which can be attached to the object or construction piece to be measured. The use of the retaining adapter permits the construction worker to use the conventional mechanical measuring tape device beyond his or her natural reach. The retaining adapter may have at least one rule associated therewith in order to further expand the measurement capabilities of the conventional mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter may also function as a square in certain applications.

Abstract: A measuring tape pencil sharpener combination is provided including a housing. A measuring tape is coiled within an interior space of the housing with a free end extending from the housing. A lid defines a compartment and is pivotally coupled to the housing and has a closed orientation in abutment with the housing and an open orientation for allowing access within the compartment. A pencil sharpener is provided for sharpening a pencil and depositing shavings within the compartment of the lid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape rule with an elaborate buffer comprising a tape, a tape rule housing, and a buffer, wherein the buffer together with its buffer block and strut is formed as a whole piece and installed in the housing, and combined with the housing to form a gate in the opening making the tape able to pass therethrough either extending out of or retracting into the housing. During the retraction of the tape, a hook provided at the tip of the tape is detained by the buffer and backlashing forces are transmitted to the buffer. In this manner impact force is absorbed by the buffer to avert damaging the tape hook or even tearing the tape thereby protecting the accuracy of measurement and ensuring durability of the tape rule. Further to this, by virtue of buffer's whole piece structure, the manufacturing process and assembly procedure of the tape rule can be simplified thereby improving its productivity and minimizing production cost.

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: A tape rule blade arrestor device of the invention herein is comprised of a right case half, a left case half, a bumper block, a tape reel, and other components that provides an improved structure for the rewinding of the tape rule blade having the capability to enhance cushioning and arresting performance to prevent the enormous shearing stress generated by excessive rewinding speed, and thereby increasing tape rule service life and safety.

Abstract: A system for determining the length and angle of stair railings, which system is disclosed in the form of a kit of parts and a method. The system includes a pair of vertically adjustable, simulated post housings to be temporarily positioned at the top and bottom of the stairs, where a first housing includes a pivotally mounted, extendable tape measure and angle scale. When the respective post housings are vertically adjusted to position a slidable base member at the projected height for the railing, the tape measure is then extended to the other post housing. While extended, the railing length and angle ends may be readily determined, and the information therefrom in preparing the railing.

Abstract: A retaining adapter for a mechanical measuring tape device extends the versatility of the tape device for construction workers. The retaining adapter can be removable or fixed to the housing of the mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter has a drag hook and a drop hook, either of which can be attached to the object or construction piece to be measured. The use of the retaining adapter permits the construction worker to use the conventional measuring tape device beyond his or her natural reach.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring and recording a child's growth comprises a housing, a ribbon, and a foot plate. One end of the ribbon is attached to a shaft in a housing chamber by a first pin that passes through a ribbon first loop and through the shaft. The other end of the ribbon is secured to the foot plate by a second pin that passes through a ribbon second loop and through the foot plate. The ends of the ribbons are located within respective slots in the shaft and the foot plate. The shaft is journaled at one end in a side wall of the housing and at the other end in a cap that closes the housing chamber. The ribbon passes through a slit in a bottom wall of the housing chamber. The gauge includes a level that assures the housing is horizontal when it is used. The housing and foot plate have peripheries that are coincident when the gauge is in a stored mode.

Abstract: A tape measure (10) including an electronic keypad (20) and display (24) for recording and viewing measurements is disclosed. The keypad includes up (44) and down (46) buttons, save (48) and recall (50) buttons, a set button (46) and a clear/on button (40). The up and down buttons are used to selectively increment and decrement numeric values representing units of measurements, which are displayed on the display. Measurements are entered and displayed in feet, inches, and sixteenths of an inch in the English system, or in metric units. After manually measuring a distance using a coiled measuring tape, a user presses the up and down buttons to specify the distance measured, then presses the save button to store the measurements. The recall button is used to recall previously stored measurements.

Abstract: A measuring device having an elongated member with at least one measuring edge and a measuring indicia including successive groups of equally spaced color coded measuring marks located adjacent to and extending along the length of the measuring edge. Each successive group is identified by a different label. Each individual measuring mark corresponds to a selected fractional portion of the group wherein it is located and has a color which is different from all of the remaining measuring marks in the group and is the same color as the measuring marks in each successive group which correspond to the corresponding fractional portion in each successive group.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.

Abstract: A power recoilable rule includes an elongated housing with a longitudinal dimension which is greater than its height dimension and having a width dimension which is lesser than the height dimension to enable comfortable gripping of the housing by the hand of a user. Mounted in the chamber at its forward end is a blade reel and at its rearward end is a spring motor with a casing and a spring coiled about its hub. Both hubs are mounted on the housing for rotation about transverse parallel axes. Gears on the hubs of the blade reel and spring motor are drivingly engaged with a drive transfer gear and the gear ratio of the blade reel gear to the drive motor gear is at least 2:1. The housing is desirably configured with a reduced height at its rearward end to facilitate gripping.

Abstract: A combination measuring instrument such as an elongated and retractable tape measuring device is associated with an audio recording apparatus which enables a user to record measurements observed on the tape measure device simultaneously with the act of performing the measurement and which permits the subsequent playback of the recorded information for use in a later discrete step of manufacturing or utilizing the recorded information. The recording device may be positioned in or on the housing of the measuring device so that the user may conveniently record the observed measurement orally for later reuse.

Abstract: A powered reel-type tape measuring device that has a reel of flexible metal measuring tape rotatably mounted on a shaft in a housing with measuring indicia on the tape. An electric powered motor is coupled to a flexible drive roller for pulling the tape from the housing and to the reel itself for pulling the tape into the housing and rewinding it on the reel. A switch having first and second contacts is operatively coupled to the electric power device for energizing the power-driven device to selectively rotate the flexible roller to pull the tape in a forward direction out of the housing with activation of the first switch contact and to drive the reel to pull the tape into the housing for rewinding when the switch is activated in the second position.

Abstract: A tape measure is provided which has less rotational wearing and trouble, increased reliability of cooperative rotation, and an easier assembling and disassembling structure. The tape measure is characterized in that a unitized gear mechanism can be taken out from outside, and a sub-rotary disc axis member and a take-up drive can be rotated together.

Abstract: A container is provided for retractable measuring tape rulers, wherein the tape is wound around an internal spring and the tape is pulled from the container for the desired length of the measurement. A novel flexible wiper flap is provided at the opening of the container, to prevent dust and contaminants from entering the interior of the measuring tape container and causing damage to the tape itself. The wiper flap is insertable within a grooved recess within the container, and the wiper flap extends down and is flexibly urged against the surface of the tape. The measuring tape is urged into a bowed configuration, so that when extended the measuring tape extends in a semi-rigid fashion during measuring. The wiper flap is also bow shaped at the bottom, and the wiper flap extends down from a tongue coupling portion insertable within corresponding longitudinally extending receptacle portions of the container.

Abstract: A self contained plumb bob and ink line marker with a line capable of automatic braking and retracting, comprising a hollow housing wherein a line reel, in combination with an adjustable spring-loaded line retraction and braking mechanism, allows a flexible member to be manually extended from the reel by a tacking device for attachment of the apparatus to a reference point. The flexible member is coated with ink upon extension from the reel when the flexible member passes over an ink absorbent member enclosed inside the housing. The housing of the apparatus has a tapered point on one end and serves as a plumb bob weight for indicating verticals when the apparatus is suspended by the tacking device. For purposes of marking lines, the ink coated flexible member can be held taught between the tacking device and notches around the circumference of an aperture through which the flexible member exits the housing, pulled upwardly and quickly released to leave a clean, thin line on the adjacent surface.

Abstract: A screw gun is typically employed in the mounting of plasterboard to building studs includes a tape housing having a central tubular opening directed coaxially thereof for mounting upon the screw gun member to permit ease of measuring among fasteners to be directed into the associated plasterboard member. The tape housing includes an extensible and retractable flexible tape member.

Abstract: A power-driven tape measure including a case having a battery chamber, a circular chamber, and an outlet communicated with the circular chamber, a motor mounted within the case, a frame enclosing the motor, an annular reel fitted within the circular chamber of the case and enclosing the frame, the annular reel having two flanges and a circular groove between the two flanges, a switch mounted on the case and electrically connected with the battery chamber of the case, the switch connected with a spring-loaded press member tending to push against the external teeth of the annular reel, a tape wound on the groove of the annular reel and having an end extending out of the outlet of the case to engage a hook, the tape being slightly larger than the groove of the annular reel in width, a driving gear fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor and engaged with the internal teeth of the annular reel via a gear train, and a manual gear pivotally mounted on the frame and meshed with the internal teeth of the annu

Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring tape including a tape reel driven by a reversible motor through an annular wheel via a first transmission gear set to let off a tape blade for taking measurements or to rewind it by means of the control of a switch, a guide roller and a pressing roller driven by the annular wheel through a second transmission gear set to guide out the tape blade at a higher speed than the tape reel so as to prevent the tape blade from being loosened, and a release control mechanism controlled by the switch to move the pressing roller within the operative and the non-operative positions.

Abstract: An improved electrical measuring tape that automatically extends and retracts the tap. Switches control a battery powered motor that drives a wheel around which the tape is wound. Induction dots near both ends of the tape cause a short-circuit to stop extension or retraction.

Abstract: The present invention is a tape measuring device having a main housing containing a coiled flexible measuring tape extendable from the front side of the housing. On the front side of the housing is a marker housing containing a marker. A locking mechanism, disposed on the front side of the housing, adjacent to the marker housing is linked to the marker and the scribe through a lever arm. Accordingly, when the locking mechanism is pressed down, the lever arm drives the marker outside the marker housing, exposing the tip of the marker. The user can then mark the measured material with the tip. Further movement of the locking mechanism will move it into a locked position whereby the tape is fixed after the user releases the locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is returned to its original position, the tip moves back inside the housing to provide protection when not in use.

Abstract: A marking device having a housing with a tape opening and a marker opening. A coiled tape is disposed within the housing such that the coiled tape may be extended or retracted through the tape opening. At least one linkage engaging aperture is secured to the coiled tape. A marking member is movably disposed within the housing and is adaptable to extend and retract within the marker opening. A linkage assembly is movably disposed within the housing such that when the linkage engaging aperture engages the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly engages and moves the marking member through the marker opening.

Abstract: An improved housing for a reel of measuring tape. The housing has a base member which holds a slotted pin to support the return spring. A frame is held at the edge of the base member and has an opening for the measuring tape to be reeled in and out. A portion of the frame also forms a portion of the cover. An upper base and cover member is held against the frame to complete the housing for the measuring tape. The construction has the advantage of permitting the assembler to hold the spring as well as the measuring tape at about a right angle with respect to the slotted pin. This makes the manufacturing process safer and less costly.

Abstract: An improved measuring and cutting tool is provided, which consists of an extensible tape measure. A mechanism for cutting is on a first end of the extensible tape measure. A structure for guiding is on a second opposite end of the extensible tape measure. The guiding structure will allow the cutting mechanism to make quick and accurate cuts into a piece of soft thin material.

Abstract: A hexahedronic case (12) with a singular face extension (20) and swingout arm pair (14L, 14R) for housing a conventional, flexible measuring tape (26). A carpenter's extensible-retractable measuring tape is housed in a six-faced case which has a pair of parallel, pivotally outward swinging arms and a flange (20) extending from the rear face thereof. Several faces of the case are indexed by marks at the center (24) only of the face edges which have a consistent dimension (Z). On one face, that opposite the flange-bearing face, there is a set of indices (22) which equally divide an edge of the face upon which they appear. The divisions, in respect of the aforementioned consistent dimension, correspond to various pitches or elevations above the horizontal, or angular deflections from the vertical, that are employed in layout work in the building construction field. An example of layout for roof rafter (40) preparation is also presented.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure assembly is disclosed which includes a housing, a coiled tape located in the housing, which tape is adapted to be extended from and retracted into the housing. The coiled tape has a free end with a pull tab secured thereto. A resilient bumper is mounted in the housing in position to contact the pull tab when the tape is retracted. The bumper includes a front surface for contacting the pull tab and a tape support surface behind the front surface extending generally perpendicular thereto. An integral spring is located behind the tape support surface and engages a stop in the housing so that when the tape is retracted the spring is compressed to absorb the stress in the tape. The casing also includes a tape lock mechanism for locking the tape in an extended position. The pull tab also has a rear surface on which a high friction element is placed to help hold the pull tab in position when the tape is extended and engaged with a work piece for measurement.

Abstract: A golf stance device for locating the feet of a golfer properly with respect to a golf ball. The device is formed of an elongated flat strip of material such as plastic or metal adapted to rest upon the ground and a housed roll-up tape slidably engaged therewith by sliding the flat strip through slots in a flexible disk attached to the tape housing. The roll-up tape may be extended in a direction normal to the elongated strip toward a golf ball providing a device having a member parallel with the golfer's line of sight and properly displaced from the ball. Both the elongated strip of material and the tape have indicia assisting a golfer in positioning the device upon the ground and in obtaining a proper stance. The device is portable and easily mounted upon a golf bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the length or perimeter of an object has a main housing part provided with a main abutment and forming a main attachment location and a movable housing part provided with a movable abutment normally spaced longitudinally from the main abutment and with a movable location forming a guide. The movable part is longitudinally displaceable on the main housing part so as to displace the abutments longitudinally relative to each other and also to displace the locations longitudinally relative to each other. A flexible but substantially inextensible element has an outer end fixed to the main attachment location and an outer portion extending between the locations, passes through the guide at the movable location, has an intermediate portion guided in the movable part, and has an inner portion extending in the main portion and an inner end.

Abstract: A measuring tape device includes a housing having a base, a rearward end, a forward end, and opposite sides. A wound length of tape is disposed in the housing and is taken out in a direction in line with the base. A first mounting hole is disposed in the housing and mounts a scribing pen in a first, stowed position, and a second mounting hole is disposed in the base of the housing at the forward end and transverse the direction of tape take out, and mounts the scribing pin in a second, operative position. The scribing pin in the second operative position has a pointed end extending downwardly from the base.

Abstract: A motor assembly useful for rotating a drum comprising: a hub adapted to be removably secured to the drum so that the drum rotates in response to rotation of the hub, the hub including a first outer surface adapted to face toward the drum and a second outer surface adapted to face away from the drum; a motor comprising a spring element having a first end adapted to be secured to the hub and being in aligned position relative to the hub to be wound around the hub between the first and second outer surfaces to apply a force to the hub which force urges the hub to rotate in one direction; and a housing adapted to hold the hub and the motor in aligned position substantially without frictional contact with the first and second outer surfaces of the hub.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an extendable tape measure made of polypropylene plastic has upper and lower elongated tapes having elongated sides integrally permanently connected by upright integral permanent flanges forming a squared tube of which the upper surface of the upper tape has length-indicating indicia arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof. The flanges are uprightly rigid lending support against downward bending of extended portions of the tape measure but sufficiently resilient as to be bendable at squared corners of junction with the upper and lower tapes when subjected to reforming pressure by a retraction first port in a forward face of a retraction-storage casing, to flatten the squared tubular shape to a flattened windable state during retraction. An upper inner end of one flange is enalrged and forms a first slot between that upper inner end relative to and in juxtaposition to the upper elongated tape.

Abstract: A tape measure 20 includes a display window 24 for presenting a digital presentation of the measurement being made. The tape measure 20 includes an encoder 74 which provides for a combined absolute scale 95 and relative scale 105 for determining the measurement. Perforations 62 in the tape 26 are mated with pins 60 extending from a capstan 58 in order to cause the encoder 74 to send signals to a microprocessor 76. The microprocessor 76 processes the signal and displays the measurement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improved structure for an ink cup, particularly such structure having upper and lower cover bodies, a thread winding wheel, a manual turning wheel and an inverted T-shaped pressing disk. The interior of the inverted T pressing disk encloses a compression spring and is set inside the manual turning wheel by means of a hollow circular rod. The manual turning wheel cooperates with a circular hole in the upper cover body, and is urged into contact with the upper cover body by the compression spring in the pressing disk. A spiral spring in the thread winding wheel automatically rewinds the thread except when the manual turning wheel is squeezed against the cover body to stop the thread winding wheel.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.