Abstract: A modular spinning reel is made with a modular gearbox that includes a one piece gearbox shell that encloses a drive gear within. The modular gearbox permits components subject to wear and damage to be readily replaced without disassembling the precision gears while also providing a drive component that can be manufactured in quantity with high precision.

Abstract: A fishing rod handle of variable circumference permits adjustment to fit the hand size of an individual user and retains that size until again readjusted to a different circumference. A plurality of individual longitudinal spreaders are arranged circumferentially around the handle. Axially applied screw-action forces the individual spreaders to spread of bend outward. A resilient covering over the spreaders may be proved to lend a smooth surface to the handle at various possible circumferences.

Abstract: Resilient flexible fishing rods are disclosed which have a hollow curable resinous body reinforced with graphite or silicon carbide fibers aligned with the rod axis. The rods have good hoop and bending strength and good strength-to-weight ratios.

Abstract: A fishing rod handle assembly wherein the rim of a molded foregrip engages the foot of a fishing reel to secure it to the rod handle. The rim is reinforced by inserting a reinforcing ring into a slot and securing it with a suitable adhesive.

Abstract: A coupling for fluidly connecting flexible tubing includes a rigid connector and an elastic retaining sleeve. The rigid connector has a main portion and a first and preferably second male end portions projecting therefrom with a fluid passage disposed within the male end portions and the main portion for fluid communication with the flexible tubing. The elastic sleeve member has a connector gripping section that circumferentially grips the main portion of the connector and a first and preferably second section for gripping the flexible tubing. The first and second sections are initially in a retracted position, folded-back over the connector gripping section and are movable to a second tubing-engaging position to grip the tubing. Preferably, handles are attached to the first and second gripping sections of the sleeve proximate their ends so that the sleeve may be gripped manually to facilitate movement of the first and second sections from the retracted position to the tubing-engaging position.

Abstract: A portable hand-held apparatus for sharpening fish hooks and stripping lines from a fish spool. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet port, an exit port and an aperture through which a sharpening mechanism extends. A motor mechanism is mounted within the housing operatively connected to a roller mechanism and the sharpening mechanism. The roller mechanism is aligned with the inlet and exit ports and is arranged to engage the free end of a line, guided through the housing inlet port. The roller mechanism transports the line through the housing and out the exit port, stripping the line off the spool. A sharpening mechanism rotatably projects through the housing aperture to engage a fish hook barb or other object.

Abstract: A body implantable intravascular lead with a first layer of plastic defining a tube having a precision lumen therein and at least one electrical conductor wrapped helically along the length of one or more plastic layers. The conductors are substantially parallel along the axis at each end for ease of connection to electrodes and the helical wrap of the conductors may vary throughout the length to form a first length having a first flexibility and a second length having a greater flexibility incapable of sustaining the same axial mechanical loading. The conductive wires are overlaid with one or more layers of plastic separately insulating the wires from each other.

Abstract: A resilient ferrule cover for joining tapered tubular sections of a fishing rod wherein the ferrule cover is slid over a male ferrule portion with one end of the ferrule cover abutting a female ferrule while covering an exposed portion of the male ferrule and the other end of the ferrule cover abuts a chamfered transition between the male ferrule and its supporting rod segment. After the ferrule is repeatedly assembled, wear of the parts increases, and the ferrule cover, since it is flexible, rides up over the portion of the rod to which the male ferrule is attached, assuring a continued firm ferrule junction while covering the exposed ferrule portion.