Boltzmann machines are trained using an objective function that is evaluated by sampling quantum states that approximate a Gibbs state. Classical processing is used to produce the objective function, and the approximate Gibbs state is based on weights and biases that are refined using the sample results. In some examples, amplitude estimation is used. A combined classical/quantum computer produces suitable weights and biases for classification of shapes and other applications.

Boltzmann machines are trained using an objective function that is evaluated by sampling quantum states that approximate a Gibbs state. Classical processing is used to produce the objective function, and the approximate Gibbs state is based on weights and biases that are refined using the sample results. In some examples, amplitude estimation is used. A combined classical/quantum computer produces suitable weights and biases for classification of shapes and other applications.

Boltzmann machines are trained using an objective function that is evaluated by sampling quantum states that approximate a Gibbs state. Classical processing is used to produce the objective function, and the approximate Gibbs state is based on weights and biases that are refined using the sample results. In some examples, amplitude estimation is used. A combined classical/quantum computer produces suitable weights and biases for classification of shapes and other applications.

A nonwoven web is made by displacing an air-permeable mesh-belt conveyor in a horizontal travel direction and spinning and then depositing crimped continuous filaments as a web at a deposit region on the air-permeable mesh-belt conveyor. A first preconsolidation stage is provided downstream of the deposit region and a second preconsolidation separated by a suction gap from the first stage. Air is drawn air through the web and the conveyor at the deposit region at a first predetermined speed, the first and second consolidation stages at a second and third predetermined speeds, and at the suction gap either not at all or at a fourth predetermined equal to at most substantially less than the second predetermined speed.

A yarn includes a plurality of spun polylactic filaments. Silver particles are impregnated into the spun polylactic filaments to inhibit to growth of bacteria within the yarn. The yarn can be used to create fabric for any type of woven product.

A yarn includes a plurality of spun polylactic filaments. Silver particles are impregnated into the spun polylactic filaments to inhibit to growth of bacteria within the yarn. The yarn can be used to create fabric for any type of woven product.

A process for producing a tapered multifilament yarn comprising feeding a drawable filament to a drawing apparatus and changing the take-over speed relative to the feed speed of the filament in order to change the thickness of the filament in a longitudinal direction, characterized by making the take-over speed slower than the feed speed under heating in a part of the filament in the longitudinal direction and thereby shrinking and thickening the part of the filament. According to the process, the ratio of the thickness of the thickest part of the tapered multifilament yarn to the thickness of the thinnest part thereof can be easily increased.