Abstract: To resolve a problem of the repairing of an electronic system, a machine will undergo a learning stage during the replacement of a part of the machine. This learning stage can be monitored manually or automatically on a limited range of variation. During this learning stage, readings are taken of the resultant modifications on a structure of the membership functions and of interference rules, memorized in a fuzzy logic program that controls the machine. These membership functions and/or theses rules are then modified as a function of this results. It is shown that it is possible, in this way, to repair a machine without replacing a defective part by a strictly identical part and without having to bring the machine back to the laboratory.

Abstract: Ice bucket for bottles or carafes, particularly champagne buckets, includes a bucket wall, a housing having an interior region which is attached to an area of the bucket wall, and an essentially flat bucket attached to the housing so as to cover the interior region thereof. The housing itself preferably includes an installation interface that is distinct from, but installed against, the bucket wall. The bucket marker may thus be attached to the housing in order to cover flaws resulting from the installation of the installation interface against the bucket wall.

Abstract: A method for the accurate transmission of a message between a transmitter and a receiver that are connected to a transmission line supplied by the mains system. The method includes means for distinguishing between errors caused by line attenuation and errors caused by parasitic pulses. Once the cause of the errors is known, messages can be sent at appropriate different transmission rates and, if necessary, synchronously with the frequency of the mains system.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a plurality of electrical installations (A1-A3, B1-B4) of one or more types connected to a common data path (52), each including means for decoding a signal transmitted over this common data path to it by a single controller (50), comprising the steps of: transmitting, from each controlled installation to the single controller (50), an identification data frame, containing an installation type identifier code (b.sub.8 -b.sub.23); receiving of the identification data frame by the controller (50); decoding of the identification data frame by the controller (50); controlling of the installation (A1-A3, B1-B4) by the single controller according to a set of instructions (56, 57, 58) held in an instruction memory (55) of the single controller (50) and corresponding to the type of installation identified by the installation type identification code (b.sub.8 -b.sub.

Abstract: A home automation network, and processors and methods for use in such networks. An innovative communications protocol management processor can be installed either in controller machines and controlled machines. The processor can run both applications programs and network management programs from its associated memory, but different sets of network management programs are used depending on whether the processor is operating a machine of the controller type or of the controlled type.

Abstract: In a system comprising a communication machine in an installation and a plurality of devices distributed on an information transmission medium, said machine comprises means for the reception of information elements that are present in an electrical power distribution network and represent a change in pricing system. This communications machine also has means to transcribe the information elements on change in pricing system into information elements formatted according to an exchange protocol and means to send out these formatted information elements on the information transmission medium, the devices being capable of receiving these formatted information elements.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring a fluid flow speed using a current controlled heat sensor. A first signal is extracted from the heat sensor for a first value of current. The value of the current flowing through the heat sensor is modified and, from the same thermal sensor, a second signal is extracted for a second value of current. These signals are then processed by a fuzzy logic microprocessor to obtain a value of the speed of flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting in the design of integrated circuits, which includes simulating functions, to be executed by the integrated circuit, in a parallel architecture machine comprising "Transputers." An allocation of the resources of this parallel architecture machine is monitored in order to assess performance characteristics of the ASIC circuit to be designed.

Abstract: A compatible interface for an installation to control household machines that comprises an omnibus line having at least two first line wires used for a supply current, information signals being transmitted on the two first wires and/or on two second line wires, wherein said interface comprises: a circuit to recognize whether information signals are sent on the two first wires or on the two second wires and to transmit a reception identification signal to a household machine; and a current regulation circuit connected to the two first wires to give a stabilized current supply even if information signals are transmitted on the two second wires. Applications include control of household (home automation), industrial, or professional installations.

Abstract: Hinge and latching structures associated with a door for a pressure vessel provides a tight and competent seal when the door is in sealed relationship with the opening of the vessel. The latching structure includes coupling structures which provide increased clamping engagement of the door in response to any increased pressure differential developed across the door.