Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing particles having a particle size of less than 100 nm and surface areas of at least 20 m2/g where the particles are free from agglomeration. The method involves synthesizing the particles within an emulsion having a 1-40% water content to form reverse micelles. In particular, the particles formed are metal oxide particles. The particles can be used to oxidize hydrocarbons, particularly methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high quality composite materials from fibrous materials, in which the composite incorporates a polymer matrix embedding individual fibers. The matrix is derived from polymer particles which penetrate into a strand and substantially fill gaps between individual fibers. Such penetration can occur by exposing the strand to a stable emulsion of the polymer particles. The invention also relates to novel composite structures which incorporation of various types of fibrous segments. These composite structures allow the use of inexpensive and readily available scrap materials. The composites of the present invention are lightweight materials displaying enhanced strength and durability.

Abstract: A device includes a first line at the supply voltage; a second line at the boost voltage; a booster stage; a supply detecting stage connected to the first line and generating a first level signal when the supply voltage exceeds a first predetermined level; a boost detecting stage connected to the second line and generating a second level signal when the boost voltage exceeds a second predetermined level; a regulating stage enabled by the boost detecting stage; and a pump control stage, which generates a regulating enabling signal for the regulating stage in the absence of the first level signal and in the presence of an enabling signal enabling the boost condition. The regulating stage generates a regulating signal in the presence of the second level signal and the regulating enabling signal, when the boost voltage exceeds a third predetermined level; and the pump control stage generates a pump activating signal for the booster stage in the absence of the first level signal and the regulating signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of parallel processing of multiple inference rules organized in fuzzy sets or logical functions of multiple fuzzy sets including membership functions defined in a so-called universe of discourse. The inference rules are configured essentially as IF-THEN rules with at least one antecedent preposition and at least one consequent implication. The prepositions have at least one term of comparison between membership functions and a plurality of input data and each term is separated by logical operators. The method associates with the logical operators maximum and minimum operations among two or more elements and calculates exhaustively the overall degree of truth (.OMEGA.) of a rule with a maximum or minimum of N partial truth levels. The method is accomplished by a plurality of identical, parallel inferential processors. Each inferential processor determines a preposition or a partial truth level of a preposition.

Abstract: A succession of instructions are distributed between a plurality of multistage execution paths in a computer system. Each instruction is given a tag to identify the position of the instruction in the sequence and the execution paths of both that instruction and the preceding instruction. On entering an instruction in one execution path, register values are transferred from registers in a path executing a preceding instruction prior to completion of execution of that preceding instruction.