A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a relatively short protective polymer film coupled to an end of the tape blade adjacent to the hook end of the tape blade.

A tool, such as a tape measure, including a retraction system is shown. The tape measure includes a magnetic retraction speed controller. The magnetic retraction speed controller includes a magnet that induces an eddy current in a conductive component of the tool and slows a retraction speed.

A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

A tape rule assembly includes differential spring-drive systems for rotating a reel of tape through an angular distance different from the angular distance traveled by a hub carrying a wound spring, relative to the tape rule housing. The differential spring drive systems include planetary and cycloidal drive systems. The tape rules of the present invention are thus made more compact than conventional tape rules.

Devices and methods for creating a breathing passage and/or for maintaining a position of a septum. An exemplary device includes a base member, a first side member extending upward away from a first edge of the base member and being configured to contact a septum of a nasal cavity, and a second side member extending upward away from a second edge of the base member and being configured to contact a turbinate. The first and/or second side members are made of a flexible material. An exemplary method includes inserting a septum support into one side of a nasal cavity for creating a breathing passage, placing a first side member and a second side member of the septum support into contact with a septum and a turbinate, respectively. The first and second side members are biased away from one another such that pressure is applied to the septum.

Devices and methods for creating a breathing passage and/or for maintaining a position of a septum. An exemplary device includes a base member, a first side member extending upward away from a first edge of the base member and being configured to contact a septum of a nasal cavity, and a second side member extending upward away from a second edge of the base member and being configured to contact a turbinate. The first and/or second side members are made of a flexible material. An exemplary method includes inserting a septum support into one side of a nasal cavity for creating a breathing passage, placing a first side member and a second side member of the septum support into contact with a septum and a turbinate, respectively. The first and second side members are biased away from one another such that pressure is applied to the septum.

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.

According to an embodiment, a tape measure comprises an accessory removably coupleable to either side of the housing. According to another embodiment, a tape measure comprises an accessory removably coupleable to the housing via a locking mechanism that holds the accessory at a plurality of desired orientations. According to another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a slide lock, where movement of the slide lock from a locked position into an unlocked position requires depression of the actuator towards the interior of the housing. According to another embodiment, a motor assembly for a tape measure comprises a backer plate, a motor body, and a spring, where a bond is applied therebetween. According to another embodiment, a motor assembly for a tape measure comprises a motor body and a spring, where one of a metallurgical bond or an adhesive is applied between the motor body and the spring.

A tape measure, including a tape measure blade having a cross-sectional profile to increase standout is provided. The profile has a curved shape that increases standout. The tape blade may have a flat width of 30 mm or less and a standout of at least 132 inches. The tape blade may have a flat width greater than or equal to 29 mm and less than 32 mm and a standout of at least 156 inches. The tape blade may have a flat width greater than 32 mm and a standout of at least 168 inches.

The present invention discloses a cyclic compound of formula (I) and a process of preparation thereof. The present invention further discloses a process for the preparation of compound of formula (II) preferably Hunanamycin A from compound of formula (I).

##STR00001##