Abstract: A method for minimizing unwanted ancillary reactions in a vacuum furnace used to process a material, such as growing a crystal. The process is conducted in a furnace chamber environment in which helium is admitted to the furnace chamber at a flow rate to flush out impurities and at a predetermined pressure to achieve thermal stability in a heat zone, to minimize heat flow variations and to minimize temperature gradients in the heat zone. During cooldown helium pressure is used to reduce thermal gradients in order to increase cooldown rates.

Abstract: A method for minimizing unwanted ancillary reactions in a vacuum furnace used to process a material, such as growing a crystal. The process is conducted in a furnace chamber environment in which helium is admitted to the furnace chamber at a flow rate to flush out impurities and at a predetermined pressure to achieve thermal stability in a heat zone, to minimize heat flow variations and to minimize temperature gradients in the heat zone. During cooldown helium pressure is used to reduce thermal gradients in order to increase cooldown rates.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, a repeatable interface in a crystalline material growth system is achieved through an automated heat exchanger alignment apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a furnace chamber including a bottom wall and side walls that define an interior portion is provided. A crucible is disposed in the interior portion of the furnace chamber and configured to contain a crystalline material growth process. Also, a heat exchanger includes an elongated shaft that extends in a vertical direction and traverses the bottom wall of the furnace chamber, whereby a first end portion of the heat exchanger shaft is coupled to the crucible. Furthermore, an automated lifting device is configured to be actuated to adjust a position of the heat exchanger shaft in the vertical direction, whereby a second end portion of the heat exchanger shaft is coupled to the automated lifting device.

Abstract: A method for minimizing unwanted ancillary reactions in a vacuum furnace used to process a material, such as growing a crystal. The process is conducted in a furnace chamber environment in which helium is admitted to the furnace chamber at a flow rate to flush out impurities and at a predetermined pressure to achieve thermal stability in a heat zone, to minimize heat flow variations and to minimize temperature gradients in the heat zone. During cooldown helium pressure is used to reduce thermal gradients in order to increase cooldown rates.

Abstract: Method of recycling a crushed asphalt concrete comprising a friable mixture of asphalt and aggregate particles produced by breaking down a recycled asphalt/aggregate concrete by milling or crushing or the like. The aggregate particles include a substantial portion of the surfaces thereof which are substantially free of adhered asphalt material. The crushed asphalt concrete is mixed with a minor amount of hydraulic cement and water to produce a plastic mixture of the crushed asphalt concrete and hydraulic cement. The plastic mixture is transported to a utilization site such as a building site, road or parking lot and spread on a substrate surface to provide a layer of asphalt concrete pavement. The layer of asphalt concrete pavement has a 7-day compressive strength, typically no more than 1,000 psi, e.g., 150-800 psi. The cement is present in an amount within the range of 1-14 wt. %, more specifically, within the range of 2-10 wt. % of the crushed asphalt concrete and any added aggregate.