Abstract: The training phase of a neural network NN is stopped before an error function, which is to be minimized in the training phase, reaches a minimum (301). A first variable (EG) is defined using, for example, the optimal brain damage method or the optimal brain surgeon method, on the assumption that the error function is at the minimum. Furthermore, a second variable (ZG) is determined which provides an indication of the manner in which the value of the error function varies when a weight (wi) is removed from the neural network (NN). The first variable (EG) and the second variable (ZG) are used to classify the weight (wi) as being suitable or unsuitable for removal from the neural network (NN).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer-supported generation of at least one artificial training data vector for a neural network is provided wherein a residual error is determined after a training of a neural network has occurred. A backward error is then determined from the residual error. Artificial training data vectors are generated from a statistical random process that is based on a statistical distribution, such that the respective backward error for an input of the neural network is taken into consideration.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a nozzle plate, two parts of the nozzle plate are fabricated separately from one another. The fabrication of the two parts is carried out by microstructuring/lithography, electroforming and plastic molding. Advantageously, a filter structure is provided in the first part. The two parts are joined together by means of laser welding, diffusion soldering or a chemical joining process. The nozzle plate is particularly well suited for injection valves, atomization nozzles, paint spray nozzles or other spraying systems.

Abstract: The valve in accordance with the present invention possesses a nozzle plate, which is distinguished by a plurality of narrow slots being provided in it as outlets for fuel. These slots are arranged running radially in a star shape, the individual slots not having a common point of contact. A uniform, very fine atomization of the fuel is possible with this arrangement without additional energy. A consequence of disintegrating into very small droplets is that the exhaust emission of an internal combustion engine can be further reduced and a reduction in fuel consumption can also be achieved. The valve is suited particularly for use in fuel injector systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve has downstream a valve seat (23), an injector plate (23), which is characterized by having a plurality of swirl-producing elements on the intake side, followed by at least one uninterrupted annular gap in the downstream direction. The swirl-producing elements are arranged in a turbine vane-shaped form by each individual element running mostly radially and being tilted in the peripheral direction and the elements being arranged behind one another in a circular shape. The annular gap (45) represents the spray geometry. With this arrangement the fuel can be finely atomized without additional power consumption. The breakup into minute droplets results in further reduction of the exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine and in lower if fuel consumption. The fuel injection valve is especially well-suited for use in injection systems of mixture-compression externally ignited internal combustion engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for drying sludge, in particular sewage sludge, or moist bulk material, wherein the material to be dried is heated by supplying energy by means of an electromagnetic alternating field generated between electrodes in a sealed pressurized vessel at an overpressure and the material moisture evaporated by the heating is used as heat transfer medium for heating the material to be dried in a step which is separate from the heating in the electromagnetic alternating field. In this process, the material to be dried is received with electrically insulated contiguous contact with the electrodes located in the pressurized vessel at least for a dwell time which is necessary for the heating and is then subjected to a flash drying.

Abstract: A method of autoclaving porous piece-goods, by steam under pressure, wherein the autoclaving operation includes sequential phases of heating with steam, holding, and then relaxing the pressure and temperature, wherein the holding phase includes a drying process. In order to obtain as dry a product as possible with the smallest possible energy input, it is provided that a drying process is carried out within the holding phase in which the autoclave is heated more than to compensate for heat losses and to a temperature above the temperature of vaporization of the water so that the material is dried by controlled discharge of steam from the interior of the autoclave. The steam discharged from one or more autoclaves during the drying process is used to heat up at least partially an autoclave to be heated.

Abstract: An autoclave for treating charged materials (6) with vapor under pressure, with a substantially cylindrical inner chamber (2) surrounded by an autoclave casing (1) and with a heating device (8) responsive to a heated heat transfer medium to generate vapor in the inner chamber (2). In order to provide the heating in a way which is favorable structurally and in terms of energy, it is provided that the heating device (8) is arranged within one of the curved side regions of the autoclave casing (1), and consists of at least one flue (10) arranged substantially vertically in the autoclave and a heat exchanger (11) arranged in the lower inflow region of the flue (10) and through which flows a heat transfer medium, so that a convection flow results circulating substantially in the circumferential direction of the casing (1) of the autoclave.

Abstract: Two regions (11, 12) of a shaft (10) are coated with a film which is free of prestress and consists of magnetoelastic Fe/Ni material. The films have a stripe pattern arranged respectively at angles of +45.degree. and -45.degree.. The change in permeability of these films is a function of the mechanical stress of the shaft (10), particularly of the torsion, and is detected by means of sensor arrangements (13 and 14). A characteristic line for the mechanical stress which extends linearly over the entire range of measurement is made possible by means of an evaluating circuit (22) of the measured voltages.

Abstract: To improve the adhesion of a nickel layer to a valve metal layer in a thin film electronic circuit, a boundary layer is created between the valve metal and the nickel layer. The boundary layer is created by oxidizing the valve metal surface and applying the nickel layer by cathode sputtering with sufficiently high energy to cause nickel-ion migration into the valve metal oxide layer. The so-formed boundary layer improves the mechanical adhesion of the nickel layer to the valve metal layer and also prevents penetration of solder to the valve metal layer since the boundary layer acts as a diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing arcuate sealing strips for the pistons of rotary piston machines. The running surface on one face of the strip carries a wear-resistant hard layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unilaterally closed cylindrical hollow stick of shirred tubular casing having a closure within the stick bore in the zone of the stick beginning and formed from the casing end itself, said closure being composed of a U-shaped body of longitudinally shirred tubular casing. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the closure.

Abstract: A stable oxygen electrode which is in an active state and retains said activity for a long service life. The electrode comprises an electrode carrier and an activated transition metal chelate of 5,14-dihydrodibenzo(5,9,14,18)tetraaza(14)annulene. Said metal chelate is activated by heating in an inner gas atmosphere at a temperature of between about 600.degree. and 1000.degree.C for at least 5 minutes.