Abstract: In a method for acquiring statistical information from data, an initial cumulative distribution function (CDF) that characterizes an initial set of data is acquired. The acquisition of this CDF comprises acquiring a set of quantile endpoints that define the CDF. At least one additional CDF, which characterizes a further set of data, is also acquired. Information that describes the initial CDF is combined with information that describes one or more additional CDFs, and the result is used to obtain a composite CDF that describes a combined set of data that includes the initial data set and the one or more further data sets. Then, a new set of quantile endpoints is determined, that defines the composite CDF. The sequence of steps described above is repeated at least once more. The previously obtained composite CDF is used as the initial CDF for each repetition of this sequence.

Abstract: In a method for acquiring statistical information from data, an initial cumulative distribution function (CDF) that characterizes an initial set of data is acquired. The acquisition of this CDF comprises acquiring a set of quantile endpoints that define the CDF. At least one additional CDF, which characterizes a further set of data, is also acquired. Information that describes the initial CDF is combined with information that describes one or more additional CDFs, and the result is used to obtain a composite CDF that describes a combined set of data that includes the initial data set and the one or more further data sets. Then, a new set of quantile endpoints is determined, that defines the composite CDF. The sequence of steps described above is repeated at least once more. The previously obtained composite CDF is used as the initial CDF for each repetition of this sequence.

Abstract: There is provided a process for making anhydrous alcohol denatured with gasoline for ready mixing with additional gasoline to make gasohol and in which aqueous alcohol is introduced into a dehydration drying column along with gasoline. The alcohol, containing gasoline, flows into the lower zone of the drying column and is recovered as a substantially non-aqueous alcohol-gasoline mixture which may be classified as completely denatured alcohol. The rising vapors of the gasoline entrain the water and some alcohol as azeotropes which flow out the top of the column as vapors which are condensed to form a gasoline layer which is returned to the column and a water layer which is removed. Additional water is also removed by decantation on the top several trays of the drying column where it is present as a separate liquid phase.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying wet solid material are provided. The process comprises introducing material into a dryer, bringing it into contact with one side of a plurality of heated surfaces located therein and vaporizing liquid in the material. The liquid is withdrawn from the dryer, compressed to a pressure greater than in the dryer and returned to the other side of the heated surfaces where, upon condensation, latent heat energy is released therefrom and used to vaporize liquid in material on the opposite side of the heated surfaces, withdrawing the condensate from the heated surfaces and substantially dried solids from the dryer.The apparatus comprises a housing having entrance and exit openings and means for delivering material into and dried material therefrom located in the openings and isolating the dryer interior from the outside atmosphere. A plurality of hollow heat exchange means connected to an external heat source and to atmosphere are disposed in the interior of the dryer.