Abstract: This invention provides a hybrid Stockbarger zone-leveling melting method for seeded crystallization and the manufacture of homogenous large-sized crystals of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) based solid solutions and related piezocrystals. The invention provides three temperature zones resulting in increased compositional homogeneity and speed of crystal growth, in a cost effective multi-crucible configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a power semiconductor module including a power converter module with an improved configuration technology that minimizes or eliminates the need for a positive bonding (soldering/adhesive) connection between a power semiconductor element and a contact surface of a substrate. The present invention includes a housed or encapsulated power semiconductor element with a pre-secured connecting element that reduces manufacturing time and costs, while improving performance capability in a decreased size.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for improving the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle by providing a stabilized laminar gas flow adjacent a volatile-containing molten pool, ensuring an enlarged molten pool by close regulation of thermal transfer between a monolithic candle mass and the surrounding atmosphere, and minimizing volatile loss through unregulated thermal gradients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power semiconductor module, in particular a power converter module, with a base plate or for direct installation on a heat sink or other cooling body or means for cooling. The power semiconductor module includes, at least one power semiconductor component, and at least one insulating substrate on whose first surface a metallic layer is provided. A carbon-based layer (including Carbon nano-tubes) is used for at least one of a thermal and a partly electrical contacting, on at least one of the one side for contacting the power semiconductor component with the metallic layer and, (in an alternate embodiment) on the other side to connect the substrate with the heat sink or cooling body.

Abstract: A first communication control system (10) comprising a balance database (18) for storing the prepaid money of each caller (12) per caller number, a charge database (20) for storing the charge system of each communication company, a balance checking part (26) for checking the balance by searching the balance database (20) with the caller number, a call permission determining part (28) for determining the permission of a call of the caller based on the balance, a communication company specifying part (29) for specifying one communication company (A) based on the input number from a caller terminal (13), a line switch (16) and a line control part (24) for connecting the caller terminal (13) with a called terminal (32) through an exchange (&agr;) of the specified communication company (A), a speech time measuring part (34) for measuring the speech time, a telephone charge calculating part (36) for calculating the speech time and the telephone charge according to the charge system of the communication company (A),

Abstract: A control circuit for current converter valves includes at a user-specific request unit, a digital transmission unit, and at least one interchangeable system-specific control unit. The control unit includes at least one control circuit with a digital interface, a digital processor and analog components for directly controlling the at least one current converter valve.