Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides for a more efficient combined cycle turbine system by using heated coolant returning from the gas turbine engine to pre-heat fuel before that fuel is injected into the combustor. Coolant, such as steam, that is used to cool gas turbine combustors and/or transitions carries high grade heat energy that was removed from the top cycle. By returning the heat energy to the incoming fuel, energy is recovered at a more efficient rate than would result from recovering that heat energy in the bottom cycle.

Abstract: A digital communications system efficiently transports communications data in ATM format from a plurality of information providers to a plurality of users, maximizing transport of the supply of ATM streams to distribution paths in a network. A video tone dial network arrangement synchronizes the timing among various VIP source multiplexers and super trunk transmitters. ATM streams are transported through an ATM backbone network and a local loop distribution network. A serving node, or host digital terminal, of the local loop distribution network, supplies the bit stream carrying ATM cells for a video program to the user terminal and provides information necessary to permit the terminal to decode the data from the ATM cells carrying the program information.

Abstract: A breakaway highway delineator including a base member for resting on a roadway or other generally horizontal surface and a base member which is connected to the panel member. In a preferred embodiment, the panel member is moveable between a first, generally horizontal orientation and a second, generally vertical orientation. The base member has a cavity/receiving slot configured to hold part of the panel member when the panel member is disposed generally horizontally. The base member also interacts to hold the panel member generally vertical when the panel member is properly positioned within the base member so as (i) to prevent the panel member from being tipped over by gusts of wind and drafts created by trucks and other vehicles passing by the delineator, and (ii) to release the panel member when forcefully impacted, allowing the panel member to be pulled from the base member to minimize damage to vehicles.

Abstract: The inter-disk cavity between turbine rotor disks is used to pressurize cooling air. A plurality of ridges extend radially outwardly over the face of the rotor disks. When the rotor disks are rotated, the ridges cause the inter-disk cavity to compress air coolant flowing through the inter-disk cavity en route to the rotor blades. The ridges eliminate the need for an external compressor to pressurize the air coolant.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor slurry is disclosed which is suitable for addition to a selected liquid coolant capable of dispersing at least one glycol having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms per molecule. The slurry consists of a mixture of (a) a treatment composition comprising corrosion inhibitor, capable of dispersing in said selected liquid coolant and consisting of solid and, optionally non-solid components; and (b) a liquid vehicle selected from glycols which have 3 to 5 carbon atoms per molecule and disperse in said selected liquid coolant. The treatment composition solids in the slurry are fine particles; the amount of vehicle in the slurry is chosen such that the particles are thoroughly wetted and the slurry both sets and is pumpable; and the amounts of non-solid components of the treatment composition are limited to a total quantity that does not substantially impair the pumping and setting characteristics provided by the particles and liquid vehicle.

Abstract: A fastener for joining a connecting tube and an expansible tube telescoped on the end of the connecting tube. The fastener comprises a compressible ring on the end of the connecting tube and a tubular sheath telescoped on the connecting tube, the expansible tube and the ring. The sheath has an inner surface tapered to a circumference less than the normal circumference of the ring.