Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the recuperator of a microturbine system in a vertical position above a turbine. The apparatus including a plurality of spring supports supporting the recuperator while simultaneously allowing thermal expansion of the turbine with a minimum amount of force being applied thereto. Thermal expansion of the turbine causes it to lift the recuperator while simultaneously de-compressing the springs an amount equal to the amount of thermal expansion experienced by the turbine.

Abstract: A microturbine system includes a compressor, a recuperator assembly, a combustor, a turbine, and a generator. The recuperator assembly includes a core that preheats compressed air provided by the compressor with exhaust gas from the turbine. The preheated compressed air is mixed with a fuel and burned in the combustor. The products of combustion are used to drive the turbine, which in turn drives the compressor and generator. The recuperator core is surrounded by a recuperator housing that is intimate with the recuperator core such that the recuperator housing assumes substantially the same temperature as the recuperator core. The recuperator housing is constructed of materials that have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially equal to that of the recuperator core, and that have thicknesses substantially equal to the thickness of the recuperator core materials. A superstructure supports the recuperator core and resists expansion of the core in a stackwise direction.

Abstract: A plate-fin heat exchanger includes a stacked array of cells. Each cell includes top and bottom sheets defining manifolds and header finned members disposed between the top and bottom sheets. The top and bottom sheets include substantially planar portions, diverging portions angled with respect to the planar portions, and divergence edges defined between the planar and diverging portions. The header finned member extends beyond the divergence edges of the top and bottom sheets and is supported in cantilevered fashion within the manifold.

Abstract: A flexible duct for fluidly communicating between first and second components includes a first duct section with an intake end and an exhaust end. A first joint pivotally couples the intake end to the first component for pivotal movement about a first axis. The flexible duct also includes a second duct section with a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the exhaust end by a second joint, and a third joint pivotally couples the second end to the second component. The second joint is pivotable about a second axis that is generally parallel to the first axis, and the third joint is pivotable about a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second axes.

Abstract: A heat exchange cell for a recuperator includes top and bottom plates sandwiching a matrix finned member and a pair of header finned members. The top and bottom plates each include a pair of manifold openings, and the header finned members each include a curved free edge following the curvature of an associated manifold opening. The header finned member includes a high fin density portion along the free edge and a low fin density portion communicating with the high fin density portion. The dual fin density header finned member thus provides increased structural strength along the free edge and provides a low pressure drop through the low fin density portion.

Abstract: A heat exchange cell for a recuperator includes top and bottom plates sandwiching a matrix finned member and a pair of header finned members. The top and bottom plates each include a pair of manifold openings, and the header finned members each include a curved free edge following the curvature of an associated manifold opening. The header finned member includes a high fin density portion along the free edge and a low fin density portion communicating with the high fin density portion. The dual fin density header finned member thus provides increased structural strength along the free edge and provides a low pressure drop through the low fin density portion.

Abstract: A hydrogen replenishment system for providing hydrogen to a hydrogen-receiving apparatus, the system comprising (i) an electrolytic cell for providing source hydrogen; (ii) a compressor means for providing outlet hydrogen at an outlet pressure; (iii) means for feeding the source hydrogen to the compressor means; (iv) means for feeding the outlet hydrogen to the hydrogen-receiving apparatus; (v) central processing unit means for controlling the cell and the compressor; and (vi) user activation means for operably activating the central processing unit means. The invention provides a practical user interface in the treatment of data provided, computed, measured and stored, to offer a convenient, essentially self-contained, hydrogen fuel replenishment system for vehicles based on water electrolysis. The apparatus has virtually no stored hydrogen and provides pressurized hydrogen on the demand of a user.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a core adapted to heat air with counter-flowing hot gases. Substantially isothermal hot and cool portions of the core are interconnected by a matrix portion exposed to a temperature gradient. A top sheet is positioned over the core and includes first and second ends and a middle portion between the first and second ends. The middle portion includes a window and compliant ligament portions extending alongside the window and interconnecting the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the top sheet are positioned over the isothermal cool and hot portions of the core, respectively, and the middle portion of the top sheet is positioned over the matrix portion of the core. The compliant ligament portions of the top sheet are deflectable in response to the temperature gradient across the matrix portion of the core to reduce strain on and deflection of the first and second ends of the top sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed herein the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a single stack electrolyser (SSE) utilizing a folded double electrode plate to connect adjacent cells in a single stack. An insulating wall separates compartments of adjacent electrode pair assemblies connected by the double electrode plate in the SSE.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed, the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate.

Abstract: An improved method of separating hydrogen gas entrained with a first aqueous electrolytic solution of a water electrolyser for producing said hydrogen and said oxygen gas entrained with a second aqueous electrolyte solution, said method comprising producing a first two-phase flow discharge of said hydrogen gas in said first solution; producing a second two-phase flow discharge of said oxygen gas in said second solution; feeding said first discharge to a first separation chamber having a portion defining a hydrogen chamber to effect separation of said hydrogen gas from said first discharge; feeding said second discharge to a second separation chamber having a portion defining an oxygen chamber to effect separation of said oxygen gas from said second discharge; collecting said hydrogen gas from said hydrogen chamber; collecting said oxygen gas from said oxygen chamber; collecting said first discharge; collecting said second discharge; the improvement wherein at least one of said first discharge is discharged in

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a core adapted to heat air with counter-flowing hot gases. Substantially isothermal hot and cool portions of the core are interconnected by a matrix portion exposed to a temperature gradient. A top sheet is positioned over the core and includes first and second ends and a middle portion between the first and second ends. The middle portion includes a window and compliant ligament portions extending alongside the window and interconnecting the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the top sheet are positioned over the isothermal cool and hot portions of the core, respectively, and the middle portion of the top sheet is positioned over the matrix portion of the core. The compliant ligament portions of the top sheet are deflectable in response to the temperature gradient across the matrix portion of the core to reduce strain on and deflection of the first and second ends of the top sheet.

Abstract: A method of making a heat exchanger includes assembling one or more heat exchange cells. Each heat exchange cell is assembled by providing a top plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof, an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges; and providing a bottom plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof, an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The second surfaces of the top and bottom plates are juxtaposed with one another so that the inlet and outlet apertures of the plates are in substantial alignment with one another. The peripheral edges of the top and bottom plates are attached to form a high pressure chamber between the second surfaces of the plates. After being assembled, each individual heat exchange cell is tested before being attached to other heat exchange cells. The testing may include pressure testing of the heat exchange cell.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical system includes at least two cells. Each cell defines an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber, and includes at least an anode electrode adjacent to the anolyte chamber, and a cathode electrode adjacent to the catholyte chamber. At least one unitary one piece double electrode plate is provided having an electrically conducting frame. At least two single electrode plates are provided, each including an electrically conducting frame for supporting an anode electrode or a cathode electrode. A separator is between the catholyte and anolyte chambers and has at least a peripheral frame formed of a compressible elastomer. An anolyte chamber forming frame formed of a compressible elastomer and a catholyte chamber forming frame member formed of a compressible elastomer are provided within each cell. The anolyte and catholyte chamber forming frame members and the peripheral frame of the separator are compressed to form fluid tight seals when the electrochemical system is assembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed herein the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a mono-polar multiple stack electrolyser (MSE) using double electrode plates wherein the planar double electrode plates connect cells in adjacent cell stacks. The mono-polar characteristics of the cell are maintained by the presence of an air gap isolating each adjacent stack of cells connected by each double electrode plate.

Abstract: A sliding gate control device consisting of an elongated rack member that is resiliently mounted across the lower extremities of a sliding gate that is movable by guide structure, and a control unit mounted adjacent to the guideway actuatable to provide a pinion gear drive for engagement with said rack member thereby to slidably move the gate laterally across the right of way. Adjustable tension assemblies provide the resilient rack mounting that assures a continual positive rack/pinion engagement for reliable operation.

Abstract: A rotary drum solid waste air classifier includes an inclined drum in which is mounted a non-rotatable separation enhancing tube which extends longitudinally completely through the drum. A waste conveyor is longitudinally mounted within the tube. The feed end of the waste conveyor is located outwardly of the lower end of the tube for receiving solid waste and conveying it through the rotating drum. The tube has a delivery cut-out at and below the discharge end of the waste conveyor so that the waste may fall from the discharge end of the waste conveyor and the discharge from the lower end of the drum while the light fraction flows up the drum and into a plenum downstream from the drum.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is designed for use with a source of natural gas which is substandard in that its BTU content is inconstant. The apparatus includes a fuel powered turbine engine having an air compressor section, a combustion section and a power turbine section which is connected to drive an electric generator which in turn is adapted for connection to the infinite bus of the local electric power distribution system for cogeneration of electric power. This is accomplished by an electronic circuit which senses the compressor inlet temperature (CIT) and the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) and automatically feeds the available substandard gas to the turbine engine in a manner maintaining a constant energy flow.

Abstract: A liquid displacement device which utilizes an internal unit assembly type construction wherein the internal unit assembly can be installed in or removed from a cavity in the housing of the device as a unit. The internal unit assembly includes a pair of meshed gears, which are rotatably supported by a pair of axially spaced end plates disposed on opposite sides of the gears. The internal unit assembly also includes at least one pair of thrust members and at least one corresponding pair of axial pressure loading chambers which bias the thrust members in a direction to counterbalance the axial components of the pressure force at the discharge side of housing that tends to separate the end plates from predetermined positions with respect to the side faces of the gears.

Abstract: A water power generator for generating electrical energy from a moving body of water comprising structural means interposed in the path of water flow. The structural means includes at least one side wall which is longitudinally curved from a diverting point at the outer end thereof to a gradually flattened curve at the inner end thereof. The wall is transversely curved from a generally planar surface at the outer end thereof to a curvature approaching circular at the inner end thereof. Cowling means is positioned at the inner end of the side wall, and turbine generator means is located at the outer end of said cowling means. In certain forms of the invention, two or more longitudinally and transversely curved side walls are provided, each having an associated cowling and turbine generator. The invention is adaptable to wave action, tidal action and river current environments.