Abstract: A racket includes a handle to be gripped by a user and a head. The head has a frame defining an open interior having a perimeter. The frame is coupled to a first end of the handle at a first point along the perimeter. The frame is discontinuous and includes a first terminal end point and a second terminal end point defining a gap along the perimeter at a second point which is different than the first point. A biasing member is coupled to the first and second terminal end points so as to span the gap. A plurality of strings traverses the open interior, with a first set of spaced strings being arranged angularly offset from a second set of spaced strings to form a grid-like string pattern.

Abstract: A racket includes a handle to be gripped by a user and a head. The head has a frame defining an open interior having a perimeter. The frame is coupled to a first end of the handle at a first point along the perimeter. The frame is discontinuous and includes a first terminus and a second terminus defining a gap along the perimeter at a second point which is different than the first point. A biasing member is coupled to the first and second termini so as to span the gap. A plurality of strings traverses the open interior, with a first set of spaced strings being arranged angularly offset from a second set of spaced strings to form a grid-like string pattern.

Abstract: A propulsion mechanism to propel a watercraft through water comprises paddle bars pivotally attached to a support at a first pivot, the paddle bars having a handle at a first end and a paddled second end. A paddle is pivotally attached to the second end of each paddle bar at a second pivot. When the mechanism is operated through the power stroke, the second pivot end allows the paddle to be supported by the respective paddle bar and to be forcefully driven through the water. When the power stroke is completed, the paddle is permitted to pivot about the second pivot and to disengage the respective paddle bar as the mechanism operates through the return stroke.

Abstract: A propulsion mechanism to propel a watercraft through water comprises paddle bars pivotally attached to a support at a first pivot, the paddle bars having a handle at a first end and a paddled second end. A paddle is pivotally attached to the second end of each paddle bar at a second pivot. When the mechanism is operated through the power stroke, the second pivot end allows the paddle to be supported by the respective paddle bar and to be forcefully driven through the water. When the power stroke is completed, the paddle is permitted to pivot about the second pivot and to disengage the respective paddle bar as the mechanism operates through the return stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the creation of an impermeable pile in the vicinity of a dysfunctional oil well are provided. The impermeable pile is sealed and impervious to sea water and of sufficient strength to sustain the oil pressure to prevent oil leakage into the sea. The impermeable pile is configured for receiving oil from the well and discharging oil through a pipe leading to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capping an oil well such as an underwater oil well comprising a pipe extending from the vicinity of the oil well head to the sea surface. Optionally, the pipe is equipped with a pump. A pile of large objects such as boulders is disposed around the lower end of the pipe. Preferably, smaller objects are disposed around the larger objects forming a first canopy. Additional canopies of progressively smaller objects are disposed about the first canopy, defining a pile. One or more of the canopies may include a cement mixture. An impermeable membrane may be included within to the pile. The size and weight of the pile is sufficient to prevent oil leakage to the sea. The entire flow from the well head thus may be drawn through the pipe by an optional pump, or the well may be shut off by closing the pipe.

Abstract: Improved mechanical structure for increased efficiency in the transfer of the peddling force applied to a pedal crank assembly to the rear wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. This structure increases efficiency by decreasing the loss of exerted energy when peddling at dead spots, which dead spots are the common terminology used to refer to when the legs are either at down-stroke and up-stroke positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing yogurt in a small container and in a manner by which the formed yogurt may have undesirable serum drained therefrom to dehydrate the yogurt prior to consumption thereof, all through the use of a single container and internal sieve and independent of removal of the yogurt from the original container subsequent to consumption of the yogurt.

Abstract: A snow ski is provided including generally flat heel section, downwardly arched toe section, and an upwardly arched center section extending between and interconnecting the toe and heel sections. The opposite side marginal edges of the bottom of the ski define snow biting edges for biting into an underlying snow surface when the ski is angularly displaced about its longitudinal axis relative to snow surface and the snow biting edges extending along front portion of the elongated and longitudinally extending center section are bowed outwardly such that the position of the front bearing reaction is shifted backward when the skis are angularly displaced about the longitudinal axis to execute a turn.

Abstract: A snow ski is provided including generally flat toe and heel sections and an arched center section extending between and interconnecting the toe and heel sections. The opposite side marginal edges of the bottom of the ski define snow biting edges for biting into an underlying snow surface when the ski is angularly displaced about its longitudinal axis relative to the snow surface and an intermediate length portion, only, of the snow biting edges extending along the heel section are modified to effectively reduce the capability thereof to bite into an underlying snow surface while the snow biting edges of the toe section of the ski are modified to increase the capability thereof to bite into the underlying snow surface.

Abstract: A snow ski is provided including generally flat toe and heel sections and an arched center section extending between and interconnecting the toe and heel sections. The opposite side marginal edges of the bottom of the ski define snow biting edges for biting into an underlying snow surface when the ski is angularly displaced about its longitudinal axis relative to the snow surface and an intermediate length portion, only, of the snow biting edges extending along the heel section are modified to effectively reduce the capability thereof to bite into an underlying snow surface while the snow biting edges of the toe section of the ski are modified to increase the capability thereof to bit into the underlying snow surface.