Abstract: The invention is a drill bit extender and method that enables holes to be formed or screws to be driven remote from a drill motor. It includes a drill adapter for attaching to a drill bit, hole saw, or spade bit, for example. The drill adapter accepts a threaded rod, such as a segment of rod that is threaded along its entire length, where the length of the rod determines the distance that a hole can be drilled remote from a drill motor. The rod is readily attachable and replaceable to enable an operator flexibility in drilling at various locations remote to a drill motor. The rod is attached to a drill motor by a drill motor adapter, which securely retains the rod in the drill motor adapter, enabling the drill motor to drive the remotely located drill bit efficiently.

Abstract: This invention is a retinal electrode array assembly and methods of using the same that facilitate surgical implant procedures by providing the operating surgeon with visual references and grasping means and with innovations that reduce actual and potential damage to the retina and the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hermetically packaged and implantable integrated circuit for electronics that is made by producing streets in silicon-on-insulator chips that are subsequently coated with a selected electrically insulating thin film prior to completing the dicing process to yield an individual chip. A thin-layered circuit may transmit light, allowing a photodetector to respond to transmitted light to stimulate a retina, for example. Discrete electronic components may be placed in the three-dimensional street area of the integrated circuit package, yielding a completely integrated hermetic package that is implantable in living tissue.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a compatible interlayer material such as titanium-nickel alloy placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the eutectic temperature of the interlayer material, where alloys, intermetallics or solid solution formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove unwanted materials, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: A fishing rod storage device and method for storing and carrying fishing rods such that the rods are held in a stable configuration without allowing the rods to touch each other, thereby avoiding damage during storage or transport. The device includes two racks, each having a paired plurality of holes and slots for accepting the rod tip and handle. The slots are preferably T-shaped. The rod storage rack allows fishing rods to be stored vertically by mounting on a wall or horizontally by mounting on a wall or a ceiling, for example. A retainer cord holds the fishing rods securely in the storage device to prevent accidental displacement during storage. The portable fishing rod storage rack typically includes two elastic cylindrical bodies each having a plurality of indentations or grooves which accept the rod element of the fishing rod and which are made of a plastic foam material that retains as many as about eight fishing rods.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible microchip drug delivery substrate is coated with a thin film of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond; assuring that the device is biocompatible and impermeably sealed, to prevent the substrate from being dissolved by the living tissue and to protect the drugs from premature release or undesired reaction with the body fluids. The coating is selectively patterned by doping to create electrically conductive areas that can be used as an electrically activated release mechanism for drug delivery. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick impermeable coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating provides a conformal coating on the biocompatible device, which is of approximately uniform thickness around sharp corners and on high aspect-ratio parts.

Abstract: The invention is a device that enables a child's baby bib to be preserved and displayed along with other memorabilia in a permanent holder. The baby bib is mounted on a frame backing sheet by slits. The sheet is attached to a frame that allows for a removable placement of a display board, which may contain photographs and other memorabilia. The entire combined holder and display is readily mountable in a book or album.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cathodic magnetron sputtering of a coating onto a temperature-sensitive substrate is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a vacuum chamber having a work-supporting station and a magnetron sputtering target opposite the work-supporting station. The apparatus produces a magnetic field to contain, in an oval pattern, a gas plasma cloud which ejects target material toward the work-supporting station. The temperature of the substrate being coated is controlled by positioning the cooling anode within the sputtering chamber. The position of the cooling anode is adjusted relative to the cathode target to capture primary electrons that would otherwise impinge the substrate. It is in a position with respect to the cathode that does not interfere with the magnetic field.

Abstract: A retractable hose guide for guiding a hose through and around gardens, flowerbeds and other yard emplacements. The retractable hose guide is permanently placed in the ground. It overcomes the problems of being a permanent obstacle in the yard, of being susceptible to damage, of having to be removed after each use, or of presenting a safety hazard. A hose may be moved freely around the yard, being guided by the retractable hose guide, thus avoiding damage either to the hose or to the landscaping. The retractable hose guide is placed in the stored position by pressing on the cover by hand or foot, compressing the spring and allowing the spool to be hidden in the body. The retractable hose guide is secured in place by engaging bayonet tabs into bayonet sockets by a simple twist of the cover by hand or foot.

Abstract: This invention is a method of exercise consisting of a spinning cycle having a flywheel and a display screen wherein a receptacle receives and runs a cartridge. The exerciser uses headphones to listen to both music and exercise directions while looking at a display screen wherein several messages are display, such as body position legend for the exerciser, a body position icon indicating the exerciser's preferred posture, music credits, cover notes, a posture reminder, and an exercise title.