Continuous melt replenishment for crystal growth
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Apr 17, 2001
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jan 13, 2000
filing date -
May 3, 1999
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
The invention features a method of continuous crystalline growth. A granular source material is introduced into a hopper. A volume of the granular source material exiting the hopper is disposed on a translationally moving belt. The volume of the granular source material forms an angle of repose with the moving belt. The granular source material disposed on the moving belt is continuously fed into a crucible comprising a melt of the granular source material at a rate based on the angle of repose, the speed of the belt, and the size of the opening of the hopper. A crystalline ribbon is continuously grown by solidifying the melt.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available