Abstract: A protective face mask comprising a flexible mask body conforming generally to the facial configuration of a wearer and being removably mounted at its upper end on a curved support member engageable with the upper portion of the wearer's head. The central forward portion of the mask body is provided with a porous section for filtering out particulates and minute spray globules while permitting normal breathing.

Abstract: A smart frac plug assembly including an instrument plug module with a sensor for collecting data during a hydraulic fracturing process. This assembly when used in conjunction with a wireless or tubing conveyed data logger and other related recording/processing systems, provides direct measurements of pressure, temperature, observed velocity field and/or observed acceleration field in a subsurface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handgrip for weightlifting purposes comprising: a first surface for contact with a bar; a second surface for direct contact with a user's hand; and four corners creating a substantially parallelogram shape, where one opposite pair of corners form an angle that is less than a 90° angle and a second opposite pair of corners form an angle that is greater than a 90°, angle. The handgrip according to the present invention securely fits around the bar where said bar is a part of a barbell or dumbbell. The handgrip conforms to a substantially cylindrical shape when the user places it around the bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handgrip for weightlifting purposes comprising: a first surface for contact with a bar; a second surface for direct contact with a user's hand; and four corners creating a substantially parallelogram shape, where one opposite pair of corners form an angle that is less than a 90° angle and a second opposite pair of corners form an angle that is greater than a 90°, angle. The handgrip according to the present invention securely fits around the bar where said bar is a part of a barbell or dumbbell. The handgrip conforms to a substantially cylindrical shape when the user places it around the bar.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a subterranean formation or material utilizing a drilling apparatus which includes a drill string having a leading end and a trailing end and having a bottom hole assembly connected with the leading end. The bottom hole assembly includes a drill bit and an externally threaded screw section. In operation, the drill bit is rotated, forming material cuttings and an opening in the subterranean formation, and the threaded screw section is rotated within the opening, forming a helical groove in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a subterranean formation or material utilizing a drilling apparatus which includes a drill string having a leading end and a trailing end and having a bottom hole assembly connected with the leading end. The bottom hole assembly includes a drill bit and an externally threaded screw section. In operation, the drill bit is rotated, forming material cuttings and an opening in the subterranean formation, and the threaded screw section is rotated within the opening, forming a helical groove in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling underground having at least one optical fiber for transmitting light energy from a laser energy source disposed above ground to an underground drilling location and a mechanical drill bit having at least one cutting surface and forming at least one light transmission channel aligned to transmit light from the at least one optical fiber through the mechanical drill bit by way of the at least one light transmission channel.

Abstract: A bow includes a bow frame with a geometric center, and a frame outlining the geometric center. The pivoting center thrust points are disposed within the frame, and a bow handle is pivotally attached to the vertical pivoting center thrust points at a position offset from the geometric center. The bow is configured such that a user can fire an arrow through the geometric center of the bow, and with pivoting center thrust points it allows free pivoting of the bow about two substantially orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for well-boring having a drill bit assembly which includes a laser cutting assembly and a vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly is adapted to intake vapors generated by the laser cutting assembly proximate the drill bit assembly during operation of the drilling apparatus. The collected vapors may then be processed by a chromatographic analyzer to determine the characteristics of the rock formation being drilled.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for well-boring having a drill bit assembly which includes a laser cutting assembly and a vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly is adapted to intake vapors generated by the laser cutting assembly proximate the drill bit assembly during operation of the drilling apparatus. The collected vapors may then be processed by a chromatographic analyzer to determine the characteristics of the rock formation being drilled.

Abstract: A bow includes a bow frame with a geometric center, and a window surrounding the geometric center. A bow handle is attached to the bow frame at a position offset from the geometric center, such that a user can fire an arrow through the window, through the geometric center of the bow. A gimbal may be disposed within the window, the bow handle being pivotally attached to the gimbal, so as to allow free pivoting of the bow about two substantially orthogonal axes.