Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a circuit for providing a current from a source to a load. A commutation cell includes a main switch that controls a voltage applied by the source to the load. An opposite switch maintains the current in the load when the load is disconnected from the source by the main switch. The opposite switch returns the load current to the main switch when the main switch connects again the load to the source. The disclosed circuit configuration reduces recovery current, losses and electromagnetic losses. A synchronizing controller controls opening and closing sequences of the main switch and of the opposite switch. The disclosed circuit can provide a DC-DC voltage converter. Combining two such circuits can provide a DC-AC voltage converter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a circuit for providing a current from a source to a load. A commutation cell includes a main switch that controls a voltage applied by the source to the load. An opposite switch maintains the current in the load when the load is disconnected from the source by the main switch. The opposite switch returns the load current to the main switch when the main switch connects again the load to the source. The disclosed circuit configuration reduces recovery current, losses and electromagnetic losses. A synchronizing controller controls opening and closing sequences of the main switch and of the opposite switch. The disclosed circuit can provide a DC-DC voltage converter. Combining two such circuits can provide a DC-AC voltage converter.

Abstract: Processes for the continuous preparation of single crystals having a predetermined shape and requiring little or no subsequent machining which processes comprise placing a single crystal-forming material in a crucible fitted in its lower portion with a capillary conduit having a length equal to or greater than the retention length of the molten material in the capillary at the selected temperature and pressure, heating the crystal-forming material to a temperature above its melting point, bringing a performed appropriately oriented crystal seed into contact with the pendant drop formed at the lower point of the capillary, and pulling the seed crystal away from the feed material in the crucible so that the amount of crystal-forming material fed per unit of time is at every instant substantially equal to the quantity of material pulled into single crystal form, together with novel apparatus comprising a capillary-containing crucible, heating means, feed means, enclosure, seed-supporting carrier, means for movin

Abstract: A crucible useful for continuous preparation of single crystals with selected crystal orientation or for depositing thin films of crystalline materials such as silica on substrates such as graphite by the pendant drop growth (PDG) method, the crucible base being tapped with one or more capillary bores having a length equal to or greater than the retention height of the molten liquid used to prepare the crystal of film at the temperatures and pressures used, the crucible being improved by "capping" its bottom with a conical baffle plate supported by feet on the bottom of the crucible, the improved crucible providing single crystals having high dimensional regularity and containing no bubbles or unmelted inclusions and the single crystals being broadly useful in jewelry, horology, and electronics.

Abstract: Processes for the continuous deposition of crystalline silicon on graphite substrates, the silicon being undoped or N- or P-doped and the substrates being useful for photovoltaic cells and other electronic devices, the processes comprising placing crystalline silicon in at least one crucible having a capillary port with a vertical axis in its lower part; bringing the silicon to its melting point; bringing a graphite substrate into contact with the pendant drop formed at the lower mouth of the capillary; moving the substrate at a selected speed in a constant predetermined direction; and removing the substrate coated with the crystalline substance at chosen time intervals.