Abstract: A novel method for measuring fracture porosity in coal seams is disclosed. Knowledge of fracture porosity is critical to methane production from coal seams as fractures form the main permeable pathways for gas migration. The disclosed invention can be used to determine likely locations where commercially significant amounts of fracturing have occurred in the coals. These locations pose prime targets for methane exploration, and the disclosed invention comprises a significant new tool in methane exploration. The disclosed invention uses existing geophysical well log data, a screening process and calculations based on the characteristics of the fluid used to drill the hole. Using these data, the volume of invaded coal is determined, as well as the volume of drilling fluid available to create this invasion. The volume fraction of the invading drilling fluid divided by the volume of the invaded rock produces a measure of the fracture porosity of the coal.

Abstract: A novel method for measuring fracture porosity in coal seams is disclosed. Knowledge of fracture porosity is critical to methane production from coal seams as fractures form the main permeable pathways for gas migration. The disclosed invention can be used to determine likely locations where commercially significant amounts of fracturing have occurred in the coals. These locations pose prime targets for methane exploration, and the disclosed invention comprises a significant new tool in methane exploration. The disclosed invention uses existing geophysical well log data, a screening process and calculations based on the characteristics of the fluid used to drill the hole. Using these data, the volume of invaded coal is determined, as well as the volume of drilling fluid available to create this invasion. The volume fraction of the invading drilling fluid divided by the volume of the invaded rock produces a measure of the fracture porosity of the coal.

Abstract: Self venting automatic food frying and dispensing apparatus is disclosed which provides apparatus which is capable of deep frying small portions of various food products without the need for external venting and without exposing the operator to hot oil. In one embodiment, the food frying apparatus includes an upright cabinet with a fan assembly mounted to exhaust air through the top of the cabinet while drawing air in through and from the lower portion of the cabinet. A removable sealing system and a removable one piece filter is in the air path to remove smoke, odors and particulate matter from the air before being exhausted back into the room. The container for holding a supply of cooking oil is configured to minimize splashing during cooking and is a fully removable unit.

Abstract: Self venting food frying apparatus is disclosed which provides apparatus which is capable of deep frying small portions of various food products without need for external venting. In one embodiment, the food frying apparatus includes an upright cabinet with a fan assembly mounted to exhaust air through the top of the cabinet while drawing air in through and from the lower portion of the cabinet. A removable sealing system and a removable one piece filter is in the air flow path to remove smoke, odors and particulate matter from the air before being exhausted back into the room. The removable filter includes flat lying layers of paper and activated charcoal configured as an integral unit. A container for holding a supply of cooking oil is located in the lower portion of the cabinet. Spill tray, oil container and heating element are configured as a fully removable unit.