Abstract: An apparatus for creating and training an artificial neural network (NN) performs iterations in which it implements and tests a version of a NN model, analyses the performance of the current NN model, generates a new NN module for improving the performance of the current NN model, adds the new NN module to the structure of the existing NN model to create a new NN model for executing, testing and analysing in the next iteration. In this way, the apparatus combines the creation and the testing of the NN model thereby improving the overall efficiency and the effectiveness of the development of NN based AI systems.

Abstract: A switching device comprising first and second body parts and a first operating device for moving the body parts into a closed state. A piezoelectric actuator is coupled to each body part and is operable to move the body parts part away from one another. The switching device may be incorporated into an actuator for operating the vacuum interrupter of a vacuum circuit breaker.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker comprises a vacuum interrupter operable between a closed state and an open state, and an actuator. The actuator comprises a piezoelectric driving element that is expandable and contractable along an expansion axis in response to an electrical input signal. The actuator further comprises a mechanical amplifying structure extendable along an actuation axis and being mechanically coupled to the piezoelectric driver such that expansion or contraction of said piezoelectric driving element causes the amplifying structure to extend or retract along the actuation axis. The mechanical amplifying structure is coupled to the vacuum interrupter for operating the vacuum interrupter between said closed and open states.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker comprising a vacuum interrupter and an actuator coupled to the vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter and actuator are located in a vacuum chamber that is partitioned into first and second vacuum sub-chambers. The vacuum interrupter is located in the first sub-chamber and the actuator is located in the second sub-chamber. The partition is configured to support molecular flow between the first and second sub-chambers.