Abstract:
Apparatus for the production of metal comprising a furnace (11) for melting metal provided with a crucible (12) inside which a metal charge is melted. The furnace (11) is provided with means (14) for tapping a liquid metal disposed on the bottom of the crucible (12) and comprising a tapping channel (15) for the transfer of the liquid metal from the furnace (11). The apparatus also comprises a delivery unit (16) for delivering inert material (S) comprising a delivery device (17) for the selective delivery of the inert material (S) into the tapping channel (15).
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With these methods, an ingot can be grown that is low in carbon and whose crystal growth is controlled to increase the cross-sectional area of seeded material during casting.
Abstract:
A self−contained crucible assembly for forming a weld between a pair of metal articles, includes a container with side walls and a fusible bottom, a refractory material lining the side walls, an exothermic weld material within the container, an ignitor partially within or close to the weld material and partially external to the container, and a cover sealing the weld material. The ignitor may be stiffened to maintain its shape, and keep it in a desired position relative to the exothermic weld material. The crucible assembly is configured to be placed on mold having a chamber therein. Upon ignition of the weld material via actuation of the ignitor, the weld mateiral reacts exothermically to produce molten weld metal and slag. The fusible bottom of the container is melted by the liquified molten metal, and the weld material flows into a weld chamber of the mold to produce the weld.
Abstract:
A cover arrangement comprised of at least two pieces for covering a crucible within an electron beam source assembly. The cover includes a cover body and a cover insert to be separate from and carried by the cover body, when the cover body is raised and lowered. This arrangement also allows the cover insert to be lowered until it comes to rest on top of the crucible. Upon contact between the cover insert and the crucible, the cover insert can partially decouple from the cover body, allowing the cover body to travel down slightly further, allowing it to come into contact with the water-cooled body that surrounds the crucible, while insuring that the crucible insert is in good contact with the crucible. Closing this gap helps stop material that is evaporating from the active crucible pocket from migrating to inactive pockets, located under the cover, during the evaporation process.
Abstract:
A gaseous deposition source for providing a deposition material that emanates from a crucible (10) having multiple thin film heating elements (22, 24) formed thereon, with each adjacent pair being separated by an insulating layer (23) therebetween. A gaseous deposition source can have a crucible (10) with a cover (11) thereon with one or more apertures (19) therein and with thin film heating elements (22', 24') on that cover about such apertures. A substrate heater (11 without apertures 19) may be used formed of thin film heating elements provided on a base.
Abstract:
Module de chauffage pour chauffer de la matière solide, tel que des billes (B), à une température déterminée, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : - un auget de chauffage (M1) comprenant un creuset (M11) pour recevoir la matière à chauffer, et un brûleur (M13) pour chauffer le creuset (M11) et la matière à chauffer, - un chapeau (M2) monté de manière amovible sur l'auget de chauffage (M1) pour fermer le creuset (M11).