Abstract: A raw material feeder apparatus for industrial crystal growth systems includes a hopper disposed within a vacuum chamber and adapted to hold a quantity of raw material therein. A slide is disposed adjacent to an opening of the hopper and configured to receive the raw material from the hopper thereon. The slide is selectively moved between an open feeding position and a closed non-feeding position. The slide and a door cooperatively close the opening of the hopper, or in their open state, control the flow of raw material from the hopper. A vibrator associated with the slide feeds the raw material from the slide into an outlet tube for conveyance of the raw material to the crystal growth system.

Abstract: A variable speed limit work zone safety system is provided herein. It includes at least two spaced-apart stations. Each station includes a plurality of sensors to gather information relative to at least one of traffic flow and road conditions. The station includes a controller which is programmed to analyse data which is received from the sensors and to derive, therefrom, an optimum speed limit at a selected location adjacent to, or in, the work zone. The station further includes a communication sub-system to communicate data related to the optimum speed limit to a message board to display the optimum speed to motorists.

Abstract: A raw material feeder apparatus for industrial crystal growth systems includes a hopper disposed within a vacuum chamber and adapted to hold a quantity of raw material therein. A slide is disposed adjacent to an opening of the hopper and configured to receive the raw material from the hopper thereon. The slide is selectively moved between an open feeding position and a closed non-feeding position. The slide and a door cooperatively close the opening of the hopper, or in their open state, control the flow of raw material from the hopper. A vibrator associated with the slide feeds the raw material from the slide into an outlet tube for conveyance of the raw material to the crystal growth system.

Abstract: A grasping member which may be operated from a distance to inflate it and thereby engage an object, such as a light bulb, in order to unscrew the bulb from its socket, is disclosed. The member is an inflatable chuck, which may be mounted on the end of a long pole. In one embodiment, the walls of the chuck form a pocket for a light bulb located in a high ceiling or other hard-to-reach place. When inflated, the walls of the chuck enfold and grasp the bulb to permit an operator holding the pole to turn it and unscrew the bulb. Another embodiment of the chuck is also disclosed in which the walls of the chuck expand outwardly instead of inwardly when the chuck is inflated.

Abstract: A variable speed limit work zone safety system is provided herein. It includes at least two spaced-apart stations. Each station includes a plurality of sensors to gather information relative to at least one of traffic flow and road conditions. The station includes a controller which is programmed to analyse data which is received from the sensors and to derive, therefrom, an optimum speed limit at a selected location adjacent to, or in, the work zone. The station further includes a communication sub-system to communicate data related to the optimum speed limit to a message board to display the optimum speed to motorists.