Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a programmable logic controller which executes program(s) based on cycles having a predetermined cycle time in a predefined memory. An automated reasoning method based on an ontology and a description logic is implemented in the programmable logic controller. To enable this, at least the concepts and roles of the ontology are encoded using index numbers and the axioms of the ontology are encoded using tuples of integral index numbers. The automated reasoning method is interrupted before the end of a cycle and subsequently resumed at the current status of program execution. This allows for the cyclic programming paradigm of a programmable logic controller. The method can be used for any types of programmable logic controller, e.g., controllers of devices belonging to an automation system or energy generation devices. In such scenarios the automated reasoning method may be used for diagnosing the corresponding devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fluorinating a soot body. The method involves: a) providing a soot body, and b) treating the soot body with a gas mixture containing hydrogen and CnF2n+2 (n=1 or 2) at a temperature in the range of (1,280-n*250)° C. to (1,220-n* 100)° C.

Abstract: Rules of a rule base are transformed in an automated fashion in order to be able to conduct consistency checks and generate explanations and thus classify and correct existing rules. This is beneficial in particular in large systems with existing rule bases, e.g., wherein each rule is associated with at least a diagnostic task of a component of a technical system, e.g., a power system. The task can be subject to fault detection, fault isolation, predictive diagnosis or reporting. The solution presented provides an overview of large sets of rules and thus allows determining which rules are suitable and which are not. The invention is applicable for all kinds of technical systems, e.g., industry and automation systems, in particular power systems.

Abstract: Methods for modeling a physical facility and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a plant concept model of a physical facility including a plurality of metamodel entities and receiving a plurality of plant foundational models corresponding to the plant concept model, each plant foundational model addressing a different engineering aspect of the physical facility. The method includes integrating the plurality of plant foundational models and defining a plurality of plant type models each corresponding to a respective plant foundational model. The method includes defining a plurality of plant instance models each corresponding to a respective plant type model and creating an integrated model that provides a user view that combines the plant foundational models and plant instance models. The method includes storing the integrated model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a machine is provided in which a relaxed abduction problem is determined in order to explain the greatest possible part of the observations with the fewest possible assumptions. Based upon two preference orders over a subset of observations and a subset of assumptions, tuples are determined so that the theory together with the subset of assumptions explains the subset of observations. On the basis of the formal validity of the approach certain characteristics of the set of results (such as correctness, completeness, etc.) are checked. By the choice of underlying representational language and the preference relations, the complexity of the problem-solving process is influenced and thus flexibly adapted with regard to domain requirements. The invention may be used for any machines, e.g. gas turbines or steam turbines.

Abstract: According to the invention, the intermediate sheath (13) is formed by assembling longitudinal elements (13A) and includes: a first optical material, the refractive index of which differs from the refractive index of the monomode core by at most 10?3; and a second optical material, the refractive index of which is lower than the refractive index of said monomode core and differs therefrom by at least 10?3.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a programmable logic controller which executes program(s) based on cycles having a predetermined cycle time in a predefined memory. An automated reasoning method based on an ontology and a description logic is implemented in the programmable logic controller. To enable this, at least the concepts and roles of the ontology are encoded using index numbers and the axioms of the ontology are encoded using tuples of integral index numbers. The automated reasoning method is interrupted before the end of a cycle and subsequently resumed at the current status of program execution. This allows for the cyclic programming paradigm of a programmable logic controller. The method can be used for any types of programmable logic controller, e.g., controllers of devices belonging to an automation system or energy generation devices. In such scenarios the automated reasoning method may be used for diagnosing the corresponding devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method allowing cost-effective production of doped quartz glass, particularly laser-active quartz glass, that is improved with regard to the homogeneity of the doping material distribution, in that a suspension is provided comprising SiO2 particles and an initial compound for at least one doping material in an aqueous fluid, the fluid being removed under formation of a doped intermediate product comprising particles of the doping material or particles of the precursor substance or the doping material, and the doped quartz glass is formed by sintering the doped intermediate product, wherein at least part of the particles of the doping material or the particles of the precursor substance of the same is generated in the suspension as a precipitate of a pH-value-controlled precipitation reaction of the initial compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method allowing cost-effective production of doped quartz glass, particularly laser-active quartz glass, that is improved with regard to the homogeneity of the doping material distribution, in that a suspension is provided comprising SiO2 particles and an initial compound for at least one doping material in an aqueous fluid, the fluid being removed under formation of a doped intermediate product comprising particles of the doping material or particles of the precursor substance or the doping material, and the doped quartz glass is formed by sintering the doped intermediate product, wherein at least part of the particles of the doping material or the particles of the precursor substance of the same is generated in the suspension as a precipitate of a pH-value-controlled precipitation reaction of the initial compound.