Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic insertion of hypertext links into a passage or document of encoded text is disclosed. A program, resident on a personal computer, for example, receives and parses input text in HTML format. In a first part of the processing, label strings identifying each paragraph number are located in the read in document. These are converted into an unambiguous format. Next, the text is re-read, with the paragraphs/section headers masked off, to locate text strings within the body of the text which cross-reference the section headers, or term definitions, or external links. These are also placed in an unambiguous format. Finally, the cross-references are matched up as far as possible with section/paragraph headers and the original HTML text is marked up automatically with hyperlinks, using the unambiguous section labels and cross-references as HTML anchors and destinations.

Abstract: A monomer-grafted cross-linked polymer is prepared by the steps of activating a polymer by radiation, quenching the activated polymer so as to effect cross-linking therein, activating the cross-linked polymer by irradiation and contacting the activated cross-linked polymer with an emulsion that includes an unsaturated monomer, an emulsifier and water. The activated cross-linked polymer is contacted with the emulsion for a sufficient time to effect a desired extent of grafting.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling gas temperature during compression or expansion. The apparatus comprises a chamber for containing gas, a piston for changing the volume of gas in the chamber, a plurality of atomisers for spraying liquid into the chamber and means for delivering liquid to the atomisers. Each atomiser comprises a spray aperture and means defining a flow path for imparting rotary motion to the flow of liquid about the axis of the aperture so that on leaving the aperture the liquid divides into a conical spray. Spray apertures are positioned adjacent one another and the axes of adjacent spray apertures are oriented such that their respective sprays intersect at a position proximate at least one of the respective adjacent spray apertures.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrochemical or galvanic cell comprising a plurality of electrochemical components, which electrochemical components are joined together in a stack, which method comprises: i) providing a first component formed from a deformable polymeric material with at least one substantially continuous groove comprising a female opening having a width of "w" and a depth of "h"; ii) providing a second component with at least one substantially continuous upstand having a width of >"w" and a height of <"h"; iii) pressing the first and second components together in order to provide an integral seal between the upstand on the second component and the opening in the first component, with the seal between the parts being provided by sealing engagement of the sides of the upstand with the sides of the openings; and iv) joining a plurality of first and second components together to form a stack.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a compression cylinder with a liquid spray apparatus for spraying sufficient liquid into the cylinder such that the liquid absorbs the heat of the gas as it is compressed without vaporizing. A separator removes the liquid from the gas/liquid mixture as it leaves the cylinder. The gas is then directed to a expansion cylinder for combustion with fuel delivered by a fuel supply apparatus. The cylinders being coupled together by a crankshaft.

Abstract: A modified polymeric cation exchange membrane for use in an electrochemical cell, the said membrane having a salt selected from the group consisting of silver, tungsten, molybdenum and a mixture thereof deposited within the polymer matrix, the said salt being insoluble in the electrolytes which, in use, contact either side of the membrane.The membranes are of particular use in electrochemical cells and combine a low electrolytic resistivity with a high permselectivity.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of an electrochemical cell which has long term chemical stability to anolyte and catholyte solutions at pH's of less than 2 and above 12, which method comprises the steps of: i) thermally processing a polymeric material which exhibits a glass transition to form the cell structure or components of the cell structure, and ii) subjecting the surfaces of the cell structure of components of the cell structure, which in use, will be in contact with the anolyte and catholyte solutions, to a post halogenation process, whereby the polymeric material forming the said surfaces undergoes halogen substitution to form a chemically stable halogen modified polymeric material.

Abstract: A gas compressor is provided comprising a chamber (9) to contain gas to be compressed, a piston (12) and the chamber (9) and an apparatus to drive the piston into the chamber (9) to compress the gas. The compressor also comprises another apparatus (5) to form a spray of liquid in the chamber (9) to cool the gas on compression therein, so that the gas may be compressed approximately isothermally. Valve (17) are provided to allow compressed gas to be drawn from the chamber. The apparatus to drive the piston (12) comprises another apparatus to deliver driving energy stored in the fluid directly to the piston. In one embodiment, the driving energy is provided by a combustible fuel. The heat of compression is rejected at the lowest temperatures and the hot exhaust gas from the combustion process may be used to preheat the isothermally compressed gas.

Abstract: A method of preparing a modified cation exchange membrane in which a sulfide of silver, tungsten, molybdenum or a mixture thereof is deposited within the polymer matrix, which method comprises the steps of:i) forming within the polymer matrix of the membrane a complex of silver, tungsten, molybdenum or a mixture thereof with a water soluble compound containing an --SH group; andii) converting the complex formed in step (i) into the insoluble sulfide of silver, tungsten, molybdenum or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A modified polymeric cation exchange membrane for use in an electrochemical cell, the membrane having a salt selected from the group consisting of silver, tungsten, molybdenum and a mixture thereof deposited within the polymer matrix, the salt being insoluble in the electrolytes which, in use, contact either side of the membrane.The membranes are of particular use in electrochemical cells and combine a low electrolytic resistivity with a high permselectivity.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for energy storage and/or power delivery comprises multi-compartment cells with the +.sup.ve chamber and the -.sup.ve chamber of each cell being separated by at least one buffer chamber through which an idler electrolyte circulates, the electrolyte circulating through the -.sup.ve chamber during power delivery containing sulfide and the apparatus comprising means for restoring the electrolyte balance of the -.sup.ve electrolyte by the oxidation of any S.sup.2- and/or HS.sup.- ions contained in the idler electrolyte to form sulfur, means for the collection of precipitated sulfur and means for the reintroduction of the precipitated sulfur into the -.sup.ve electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for power delivery employs an array of electrochemical cells which comprises an end +.sup.ve electrode and an end -.sup.ve electrode separated by one or more bipolar mid-electrodes each with a +.sup.ve side and a -.sup.ve side, the +.sup.ve side of each bipolar electrode comprising an electrically conductive substrate with a porous conductive surface. A bubbly dispersion of air/oxygen in an electrolyte is contacted with the +.sup.ve sides of the bipolar electrodes. The electrochemical apparatus of the invention may be used with an oxygen-sulfur couple with these reagents being provided for example as sodium salts in aqueous solutions, the overall reaction being:4H.sub.2 O+4S.sup.2- +2O.sub.2 .fwdarw.8OH.sup.- +4S,The process is preferably carried out in an array of cells (20), comprising a plurality of bipolar electrodes 13, each having a +.sup.ve side 12A and a -.sup.ve side 14A spaced from one another by membranes 16 which divide the cell into +.sup.ve and -.sup.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for energy storage and power generation comprises a single cell or an array of unit cells (10), each cell comprising a +.sup.ve electrode (12) and a -.sup.ve electrode (14) with a dual membrane in each cell dividing it into +.sup.ve chambers (22C and 24C) for posilyte and anolyte solutions (22, 24) which are recirculated through separate pumps (26, 28) and storage tanks (32, 34) and back to the chambers. The dual membranes in each cell provide a third chamber (23C) between the +.sup.ve chamber (22C) and the -.sup.ve chamber (24C), through which an idler electrolyte is circulated.During the operation of the cell, any ionic species which cross the cation exchange membranes, which in an ideal system would remain in either the +.sup.ve chamber or the -.sup.ve chamber of the cell, will collect in the buffer chamber or chambers.

Abstract: A film-type packing element (1) for use in a cooling tower comprises a formable sheet material formed with corrugations (3) and ridge formations (5) extending obliquely of the direction of the corrugations (3) to provide deflection channels for fluid descending over the packing element. The ridge formations (5) are divided into a plurality of groups (9) along the corrugation direction, with the ridge formations (5) of successive groups (9) being angled oppositely relative to the corrugation direction.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for energy storage and/or power generation and apparatus comprises cell array of unit cells (10), each cell comprising a +.sup.ve electrode (12) and a -.sup.ve electrode (14) with a membrane in each cell dividing it into +.sup.ve and -.sup.ve chambers (22C and 24C) for catholyte and anolyte solutions (22, 24) which are recirculated through separate pumps (26, 28) and storage tanks (32, 34) and back to the chambers. Mid electrodes, between adjacent cells in the array, provide both a +.sup.ve side and a -.sup.ve side. A bromine-sulfur couple may be employed.Means are provided to compensate for pH changes and/or changes in hydroxyl ion concentration in the +.sup.ve and/or the -.sup.ve sides of the array of cells.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for energy storage and power generation comprises a single cell or an array of unit cells (10), each cell comprising a positive electrode (12) and a negative electrode (14) with a membrane in each cell dividing it into positive and negative chambers (22C and 24C) for posilyte and anolyte solutions (22, 24) which are recirculated through separate pumps (26, 28) and storage tanks (32, 34) and back to the chambers. An iron-sulfur couple is employed, the overall reaction being:2Fe.sup.3+ +S.sup.2- =2Fe .sup.2+ +S eq. 8the Fe.sup.3+ ions being provided as the chloride, bromide or iodide and the sulfide being provided as the sodium, potassium, lithium or ammonium salts. The +.sup.ve chamber contains a soluble ionic salt which acts as a charge carrier during energy storage, preferably sodium or potassium chloride.

Abstract: A glass pH electrode which comprises a silver-silver chloride or a mercury-mercurous chloride inner electrode and an electrode filling solution for the inner electrode which is a zwitterionic buffer solution containing chloride ions.

Abstract: The build-up of the deposits on surfaces immersed in water in monitored by passing the water through a galvanic cell comprising a pair of dissimilar metal electrodes (5, 6) mounted on opposite sides of a passage (4) for the water in a housing (1,7), and detecting and interpreting galvanic current developed between the electrodes (5, 6).

Abstract: A glass pH electrode which comprises a silver-silver bromide inner electrode and an electrode solution for the inner electrode which is a zwitterionic buffer solution.

Abstract: A gas compressor is provided comprising a chamber (9) to contain gas to be compressed, a piston (12) and the chamber (9) and an apparatus to drive the piston into the chamber (9) to compress the gas. The compressor also comprises another apparatus (5) to form a spray of liquid in the chamber (9) to cool the gas on compression therein, so that the gas may be compressed approximately isothermally. Valve (17) are provided to allow compressed gas to be drawn from the chamber. The apparatus to drive the piston (12) comprises another apparatus to deliver driving energy stored in the fluid directly to the piston. In one embodiment, the driving energy is provided by a combustible fuel. The heat of compression is rejected at the lowest temperatures and the hot exhaust gas from the combustion process may be used to preheat the isothermally compressed gas.