Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to an interface between an exhaust cylinder and an exhaust diffuser in a turbine engine. The interface allows relative radial movement of the exhaust diffuser and the exhaust cylinder. According to aspects of the invention, the diffuser and the cylinder are operatively connected about their peripheries by a plurality of connecting members, which can be tie rods. Each connecting member can be pivotally connected at a first end to a joint bolt affixed to the exhaust cylinder and at a second end to an exhaust diffuser. Thus, the connecting members can join the cylinder and the diffuser in the axial direction, while allowing for the differential thermal expansion of the two components. Relative circumferential movement between the cylinder and the diffuser can be reduced by positioning neighboring connecting members at opposing angles in relation to one another.

Abstract: A waveform analysis assembly (10) includes a sensor (12) for detecting physiological electrical and mechanical signals produced by the body. An extraction neural network (22, 22') will learn a repetitive waveform of the electrical signal, store the waveform in memory (18), extract the waveform from the electrical signal, store the location times of occurrences of the waveform, and subtract the waveform from the electrical signal. Each significantly different waveform in the electrical signal is learned and extracted. A single or multilayer layer neural network (22, 22') accomplishes the learning and extraction with either multiple passes over the electrical signal or accomplishes the learning and extraction of all waveforms in a single pass over the electrical signal. A reducer (20) receives the stored waveforms and times and reduces them into features characterizing the waveforms.

Abstract: A cyclic electrolytic process for the manufacture of hydrogen from carbonaceous material such as coal, agricultural wastes and garbage to produce commercial hydrogen. An alakli metal sulfate is reduced to an alkali metal sulfide by reaction of the sulfate and carbonaceous fuel at an elevated temperature. The sulfide and impurities derived from the fuel are digested with an aqueous solution to dissolve the sulfide and separate out the impurities. The solution of the alkali sulfide is added to electrolytic cells in which an electric current is utilized to generate hydrogen at the cathode while oxidizing the sulfide substantially to sulfate at the anode. The cell electrolyte temperature is greater than 150.degree. C and less than 350.degree. C. Under these conditions the polarization problem encountered in hydrogen/oxygen cells is substantially avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing alkali metal ions, for example, the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. In one embodiment, a composite membrane comprising at least an ion-conductive polymer and a metal permeable to alkali metal is used in an electrolytic cell. An illustration of such a polymer is a perfluorocarbon polymer containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, in intimate contact with a layer of mercury. Another aspect is the use of elevated pressures or other techniques substantially to eliminate the presence of normally gaseous products from the electrolyte. For example, high pressures may be employed to dissolve chlorine in a brine electrolyte and/or liquefy it. In another aspect, sodium sulfate is electrolyzed in a cell comprising a composite membrane, a formaminous anode, and a diaphragm between the composite membrane and anode; the oxygen produced is withdrawn through the anode.