Abstract: An infusion assembly for capsules and/or pods for obtaining infused beverages, comprising a main body associable with a coffee machine and supporting a plurality of elements adapted to define an infusion chamber, the infusion chamber being delimited at least in an upper region and at least in a lower region, respectively, by an upper element and a lower element, which are pivoted to the main body, the upper element and the lower element being connected kinematically to each other for their synchronized movement between a closed position, in which the upper element and the lower element delimit the infusion chamber, and an open position, in which the upper element and the lower element are spaced from the infusion chamber to evacuate the capsule or pod from the infusion chamber.

Abstract: A popcorn making machine includes a case, a roaster mounted therein and provided with a circulated hot airflow, a feeding pipe receiving raw corn and delivering it into the roaster, a dosage unit capable of controlling a flow of raw corn into the feeding pipe, a sensor unit that includes a light source capable of irradiating light at least partially directed into the roaster containing a quantity of corn kernels, a sensor capable of producing an electric signal corresponding to a light flow received by the sensor, wherein the light flow particularly depends upon the quantity of corn kernels contained in the roaster, a light-guide for delivering the light flow from the roaster to the sensor, and a programmable electronic module capable of processing the electric signal produced by the sensor, associated with the dosage unit and capable of controlling thereof. Detail design of the sensor unit is also provided.

Abstract: A popcorn making machine includes a case enclosing a roaster with a circulated hot airflow therein, causing raw corn to pop up, a feeding pipe having an upper aperture for feeding raw corn thereinto and a lower aperture, and a trap mounted within the case. The trap has an upper entrance for receiving raw corn and a lower exit for discharging thereof into the roaster. The upper entrance is coupled with the lower aperture. The trap includes a body, having inner walls, and at least two blades attached to the inner walls on opposite sides thereof, and inwardly declined. A lower blade is inwardly protruded from the inner wall, so that it partially covers the lower exit. The trap prevents blocking the feeding pipe by corn kernels that otherwise would be capable of getting into and blocking thereof, thereby enhancing the machine's reliability and maintainability. Preferable trap dimensions are provided.

Abstract: A popcorn making machine is proposed in three embodiments including a roaster, provided with a circulated hot airflow, and a pipebranch coupled thereto, receiving popcorn from the roaster and discharging thereof. In the first embodiment, the roaster has truncated conical sidewalls, the pipebranch has a rectangular cross-section. In the second embodiment the roaster is configured as at least a portion of a deformed sphere having a lesser pole radius and a greater equator radius, the pipebranch is conjugated with the roaster without any acute angle, and continuously tapers transforming into a cylindrical shape. In the third preferred embodiment, the roaster and pipebranch are similar to the ones of the second embodiment, but the roaster additionally contains a central cavity configured in a cone-like shape, having a base, a cupola-like top, and a curved conjugation angle at the base. The aforementioned shapes reduce manufacturing costs and improve the popcorn machine's productivity.

Abstract: A heat treatment device in particular for sausages of the co-extruded sausage type, has pipework extending between an introduction orifice and a discharge orifice through which the sausages emerge from the pipework a collecting device that is disposed above the introduction orifice, which emerges in the pipework at the introduction orifice and is intended to enable the sausages to be introduced into the pipework, a pump intended to propel hot water into the pipework upstream of the introduction orifice or in the collecting device the water level in the collecting device being higher than the level of the discharge orifice and the level of the introduction orifice the level of the introduction orifice is lower than the level of the top part of the coil, and the pipework has between the introduction orifice and the discharge orifice, a part taking the form of a coil in a descending spiral, and between the introduction orifice and the coil an ascending portion.

Abstract: An eco green cookware is provided, having a double-layered wall structure and comprising a heat transfer medium within a cavity of the double-layered wall structure. The eco green cookware comprises: a container comprising an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein upper parts of the inner shell and outer shell are rolled a number of times together to form a rolled joint, an upper part of the inner shell is provided with a concave member, a heat transfer medium is provided within the cavity, a first heat transfer member is inserted and installed at the bottom portion of the cavity, and a second heat transfer member is affixed to the bottom surface of the first heat transfer member; an inner cover comprising an inner peripheral portion in the form of an inverted “L” whose inside bend forms a round portion; an outer cover; and pressure release devices.

Abstract: An electric grill for cooking food items comprises: a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food; and a safety mechanism configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on. Optionally, other safety features include, a fire suppression system, temperatures sensors, proximity sensors for detecting obstructions near the grill, weight sensors, liquid level sensors and infrared photo-interrupter sensors for detecting whether the tray has been removed from the grill, since the grill's last operation.

Abstract: An assembly for cooking food products in a substantially upright orientation comprising a mold housing including one or more food mold chambers, each structured to configure the food product being cooked to correspond to the interior dimensions and configuration of a mold chamber in which it was cooked. Each mold chamber is further structured to retain an uncooked liquid, semi-liquid, semi-solid, or solid food composition therein during the cooking procedure. A heat source is disposed either externally or internally of the mold housing and generates sufficient heat to cook a food composition disposed within the mold chamber. A frame assembly may be utilized to operatively support one or more mold housing in the substantially upright orientation, such that a heat source may be incorporated into the frame assembly to provide adequate cooking temperatures to the corresponding mold chamber(s) of one or more supported mold housings.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a toaster, which comprising a housing, a longitudinal groove, a transparent movable baffle and a positioning mechanism. It can be observed from the exterior with the heating status of the toast, making it convenient to use. The movable baffle is sliding and connected to the longitudinal groove and positioned by the positioning mechanism, making it able to be drawn out of the housing to clean, so that the present invention is used with health, clean and it makes the food more delicious finally.

Abstract: A filter group (125, 325) for use in a deep fat fryer (100) is proposed. The filter group comprises a porous material filter envelope (240) for filtering cooking oil passing therethrough, and a spacer grid (245) adapted to be longitudinally fitted into the filter envelope for supporting it from inside, the filter envelope comprising an open end (250) for allowing fitting/unfitting of the spacer grid. The filter group further comprises an extraction pipe (255) for allowing extraction of filtered cooking oil from inside the filter envelope, said extraction pipe passing through a hole (270) of the filter envelope and being transversally connected to the spacer grid. In the solution according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the extraction pipe is transversally connected to a peripheral portion of the spacer grid.

Abstract: Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are formed by binding together a layer of one type of recyclable waste and a layer of recyclable waste that includes one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the layers or to add additional waste byproduct layers.

Abstract: A device for inserting a web of printing material into a flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine includes a compensator for converting a continuous movement of the web of printing material into an iterative movement of the web of printing material. A clamping unit clamps the web of printing material, a cutting unit carries out a cross cut through the web of printing material, and an inserting unit transports the web of printing material into the flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine. The device advantageously allows the web of printing material to be automatically clamped, cut and fed to the flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine. As a result, no further stopping of an upstream printing press is required and the amount of waste is reduced. A manufacturing system for producing packages and a method for feeding a web of printing material are also provided.

Abstract: A printing operation is repeatedly performed with respect to one substrate 2, the printing operation including the step of loading the substrate 2 (the step ST1), then contacting an upper surface of the substrate 2 with a mask 13 (the step ST4), reciprocating a squeegeeing operation to slide squeegees 33b on the mask 13 in contact with the substrate 2 to transfer a paste Pt on the mask 13 to the substrate 2 (the step ST7 and the step ST8), separating the substrate 2 from the mask 13 for a snap off (the step ST9), and while unloading the substrate 2 (the step ST11), performing mask cleaning to remove the paste Pt that is adhered to a lower surface of the mask 13 (the step ST12).

Abstract: A roller assembly is provided for spreading and chilling a web in a printing press. The roller assembly includes a roller for chilling and spreading a web and a trolley roller contacting the roller, the trolley roller configured and arranged to impart a deflection in the roller. Also provided is a roller assembly for counteracting web loading on a roller in a printing press. This roller assembly includes a roller for transporting a web, the roller having an axis; a web wrapped partially around the roller and applying a load on the roller transverse to the axis; and a trolley roller contacting the roller, the trolley roller configured and arranged to impart a sufficient force on the roller to keep the axis of the roller linear under said load.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder, an impression cylinder support and a first actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support toward and away from the plate cylinder support to accommodate different blanket cylinder sizes. The first actuator further moves the impression cylinder support with respect to the plate cylinder support. The variable cutoff printing press also includes a second actuator acting on the impression cylinder support to ensure that the impression cylinder support is moved with the blanket cylinder support by the first actuator and a third actuator for moving the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder and an impression cylinder support. An actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support accommodates different blanket cylinder sizes, the actuator further moving the impression cylinder support so that regardless of blanket cylinder size a gap exists between the blanket cylinder support and the impression cylinder support. An on impression actuator moves the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A printing press is provided. The printing press includes a first printing unit including a first plate cylinder, a first blanket cylinder and a first impression cylinder forming a first printing nip with the first blanket cylinder, a first bowed roller upstream of the first printing unit spreading a web before the web enters the first printing nip, a second printing unit downstream of the first printing unit including a second plate cylinder, a second blanket cylinder and a second impression cylinder forming a second printing nip with the second blanket cylinder, and a second bowed roller between the first printing and the second printing unit, the second bowed roller spreading the web before the web enters the second printing nip. A method printing is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for micro-contact printing on a substrate. A roll having very low drag is supported for rotation by air bearings and has a micro-contact printing stamp mounted to its outer surface. Contact between the substrate and the micro-contact printing stamp drives the roll and repeatedly imprints the pattern onto the web. In convenient embodiments, the roll is a sleeve positioned over a core with the sleeve supported for rotation by a layer of air between the sleeve and the core.

Abstract: A weapon system including a weapon, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a guidance section in a front section of the weapon, and a signal cartridge assembly behind the front section and including a signal cartridge configured to provide a signal indicating a location of impact for the weapon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas exhaust device of a retractor pretensioner for a vehicle, including a pinion connected to a belt weaving spool in a retractor body; a rack linearly transferred when engaged with the pinion; a rack transfer path formed between a pretensioner body and the retractor body, configured to guide the rack linearly toward the pinion; and a micro-gas generator (MGG) mounted on a side of a lower end of the pretensioner body to elevate the rack toward the pinion using gas generated by the MGG, wherein a gas moving aperture is formed to allow communication between an upper portion and a lower portion of the rack transfer path in a longitudinal direction in the rack, to elevate the rack using the gas generated from the MGG and simultaneously, move the rack toward the upper portion of the rack transfer path through the gas moving aperture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a friction wedge of a rail car includes forming, in drag and cope portions of a mold, at least one cavity that defines at least some exterior features of at least one friction wedge. At least one core is inserted into the drag portion adjacent to the cavity. The core includes at least one surface configured to define a column face of the friction wedge. Rigging is formed in the drag and cope portion of the mold. The rigging includes a down sprue, at least one ingate, and at least one runner for directing molten material to the cavity. Molten material is poured into the mold to form the friction wedge casting. The friction wedge casting is removed from the mold. Rigging is removed from the friction wedge casting and the friction wedge casting is finished.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of making nanoparticles and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to methods of making metal nanoparticles (MNPs). The invention also relates to antimicrobial uses of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a functional reinforcing filler including inorganic particles surface-modified with an alkenylsilanol obtained by hydrolyzing an alkenylalkoxysilane compound, and a method for preparing the same. Since the disclosed functional reinforcing filler has a functional group having a double bond, it has good reactivity for styrene-butadiene rubber and sulfur. Thus, when used as a functional reinforcing filler in the manufacture of rubber, it allows improvement of physical properties through adjustment of the addition amount of sulfur without additional use of the coupling agent. In addition, because of superior hydrolysis reactivity, the problem of alcohol can be solved and a rubber mixture with long scorch time can be prepared. In particular, when the functional reinforcing filler of the present invention is used in the manufacture of tires, improvement in modulus, tensile strength, rotational resistance and wet traction performance can be expected.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a treated inorganic particle, in particular a titanium dioxide particle, having reduced photoactivity, lower acid solubility and improved anti-microbial properties comprising: an inorganic core particle, in particular a titanium dioxide particle; a first treatment of silica, wherein the silica is added in a single step; and a second treatment comprising co-precipitated zinc oxide and alumina. These particles have reduced photoactivity, lower acid solubility and improved anti-microbial properties.

Abstract: Surface-modified, structurally modified fumed silicas are surface-modified with N-containing silicon compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are biobased plasticizer compositions comprising a compound having the structure of Formula I: wherein R is C6-C1 alkyl; along with methods of making and using same.

Abstract: A writing table or a desk includes a frame, a worktop, four hinged axes, a first pivotal panel, a second pivotal panel being wider than the first panel, two limit stops, and a rotatable handle. The worktop is attached via a first axis to the first panel connected via a second axis with the frame. The worktop is attached via a third axis to the second panel connected via a fourth axis with the frame. A first limit stop is secured on a first side of the frame and limits the rotation of the first panel. A second limit stop is secured on a second side, being opposite to the first side, of the frame and limits the rotation of the second panel. The handle is immovably mounted on the first panel to provide moving the worktop by one hand of a user of the writing table or the desk.

Abstract: The present invention describes a beach table assembly that provides securement of the table into the sand. The table has a single leg with a removable threaded attachment that is configured for insertion into the distal end of the leg and is adapted for securement into the beach sand. The table surface has hinges that enable rotation of table ends for the opening and closing of the planar sides of the table, wherein the table sides are supported by arms located underneath the table surface and are locked into place by locking pins on the table leg. The table further has pockets for the storage of suntan lotion, magazines, books, etc., and sunken upper surfaces adapted for the holding of beverages.

Abstract: The intention provides a method of coating wooden pallets having a low moisture content with an elastomer coating, so as to provide pallets combining the advantageous qualities of wooden and plastic pallets. The pallets are light and inexpensive, tough and durable, water and damage resistant, fire retardant and non-slip. They can be produced by treating existing wooden pallets. The pallets may also have an RFID attached before coating for tracking the pallets and goods transported thereon.

Abstract: A pallet having a top deck (1) and a frame (2) including one or more bottom slats (3) which extend, at a distance below the top deck (1), in which the bottom slat (3) is connected to the top deck (1) via an assembly of a wire- like connecting element (4) and a holder (5), (50) which are releasably connected to each other, and in which the connection between the connecting element (4) and the holder (5), (50) is designed to automatically come apart on account of a pulling force in order to prevent damage. The width of the wire-like connecting elements (4) is limited, as a result of which the pallet can be designed to have relatively short sides provided with lifting openings (6).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a table apparatus. The table apparatus includes a support assembly, a surface assembly and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly allows for the movement of a work surface between a first bottom position and a second top position while remaining in the same, preferably, horizontal, orientation throughout the movement thereof. Additionally, the work surface is permitted to rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to the work surface. A secondary work surface is provided, which, when properly set to the same height, cooperates with the work surface to provide a matingly engaged configuration which allows for a substantially continuous joined work surface, while allowing for rotation of the work surface about an axis that is perpendicular to the work surface.

Abstract: A high efficiency laminar flow burner system for proving a stream of heat energy including a supply input module for providing fuel and laminar streams of air to a combustion manifold. The laminar air delivery system includes a damper, a blower, and an air delivery controller. The air delivery controller receives an efficiency signal to control the flow of a laminar air intake stream by adjusting the damper. The combustion manifold includes an air-fuel mixing system, a stoichiometric unit, and a refractory unit each coupled to one another. The laminar air intake stream traveling from the supply input module passes through a stoichiometric unit body to meet with a first combustion stream from an air-fuel mixing chamber within the stoichiometric unit body to define a second combustion stream. The second combustion stream then travels across the refractory passageway to define a third combustion stream.

Abstract: A non-mechanical valve arrangement for use with circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers has a CFB reaction chamber and a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) within an enclosure in the lower portion of the CFB reaction chamber, the BFB containing an in-bed heat exchanger (IBHX). Solids flowing from the BFB enclosure to the CFB reaction chamber may be controlled using one or more non-mechanical valves. Each non-mechanical valve is independently controlled using independently controlled fluidizing means. The non-mechanical valve has collectors to collect solids backsifting into the fluidizing means of the valve. Agglomerates are removed which could block the valve. Channel walls parallel to the direction of solids flow through the valve opening may be provided to reduce external interference with local fluidization to maintain the proper functionality of the non-mechanical valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for combustion of a fuel and treatment of the resulting flue gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a ship, in particular a cargo ship, with at least one Magnus rotor, comprising a step of detecting the direction of a wind. Furthermore, the at least one Magnus rotor is operated with one direction of rotation, so that by means of the interaction between the wind and the Magnus rotor a force is generated which is directed substantially opposite the forward direction of the ship.

Abstract: Provided is an arctic drill ship in which a weather tight structure protecting a drill floor and a drilling work area from outside air is coupled to a side strake around the drilling work area. It is possible to economically and easily manufacture the weather tight structure which minimizes the influence of outside air on the drilling operation in the polar regions, and it is possible to efficiently support the hull longitudinal strength and the weather tight structure with the use of the side strake structure solely. Therefore, a structure which may cause a disturbance in the drilling work area is minimized, and it is unnecessary to install a separate structural reinforcement part for a drilling workspace in the polar regions. In addition, the drilling workspace in the polar regions can be effectively ensured, and a spatial limitation in an upper portion of a moonpool can be solved.

Abstract: A sail for a wind-powered craft includes a web which forms a flying shape upon engagement with the wind, flying shape extending from leading to trailing edges. The web includes a combination of wind-impermeable and wind-permeable portions disposed between the leading and trailing edges, with a permeability ratio of wind-permeable area to wind-impermeable area within a range of about 5 to 80 percent.

Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.

Abstract: A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle ?d relative to the centerline.

Abstract: A keel pad is provided for a hull of a boat. The keel pad contains a main body and two fingers extending from the main body in a direction of a front of the hull. Due to curved shape of the fingers, drag is reduced allowing the boat better planing properties and greater fuel efficiencies.

Abstract: An attachment bracket plate that is designed to accept a wide variety of different boating devices is shown. The attachment bracket plate is designed to attach to the back of the boat. In one instance, the attachment bracket plate is designed to attach to the transom of the boat and in another instance it is designed to attach to the motor (such as an outboard motor) on the boat. The attachment bracket plate can accommodate many boating devices such as any one or more of a ski tow bar, a boat canopy, a flag pole, fishing poles/lines, a fly bridge, a grill and/or cooler holder, gill net guides, trawl net guides, swimming platform, a ladder, downrigger holder, search light holder, underwater light holder, sonar, an underwater camera, a retractable boat cover, an outboard motor cover, a culling box or any other boating device that uses a rigid rod-like structure.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms and a brace for the transom are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A visor is cooperable with a bimini top for a boat. The visor includes a bracket attachable to a bimini top frame, and a visor frame pivotally and removably secured to the bracket. The visor frame is positionable relative to the bracket between an inward position and an outward position. A visor cover is disposed on the visor frame.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method of transferring seismic equipment to and from a marine vessel and subsurface location. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a deck having a plurality of seismic sensor devices stored thereon, two remotely operated vehicles, each comprising a seismic sensor storage compartment, and a seismic sensor transfer device comprising a container for transfer of one or more of the seismic sensor devices from the vessel to the sensor storage compartment of at least one of the two remotely operated vehicles.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for a high-pressure accumulator system, and which includes a pressure indicating element having a channel. The pressure indicating element moves between a starting position and a pressure-indicating position in response to pressure on a side facing a pressure-monitoring region and which is counter to a force of at least one compression spring on the pressure indicating element.

Abstract: Methods of producing a polarization-modulating element that modulates a polarization state of incident light into a predetermined polarization state, the polarization-modulating element being used with an illumination optical apparatus, include preparing an optical material having optical activity, and providing the optical material with a circumferentially varying thickness profile and a central region that is an aperture having no optical activity. The thickness profile is set so that light in a linearly polarized state having a direction of polarization substantially along a single direction, is transformed into light in an azimuthal polarization state having a direction of polarization substantially along a circumferential direction or into light in a radially polarized state having a direction of polarization substantially along the radial direction.

Abstract: Solid silicon is deposited onto electrically heated deposition plates by the reduction reaction of gaseous trichlorosilane and hydrogen which are mixed and pumped across the surfaces of the plates. The plates can have a number of high-surface area geometries such as concentric cylinders, spirals, or repeating S-shapes. Once the desired amount of silicon has been deposited, the deposition plates are heated to above the melting point of silicon causing the deposited silicon to slide off the plates in the form of a crust due to gravitational force. The plates are left coated with a thin film of liquid silicon which contains any impurities leached from the plates. This film is melted off separately from the main silicon crust to avoid contamination of the latter and the plates are then ready for the next deposition cycle.

Abstract: A method for growing a single crystal in a chamber. The method includes heating raw material to form a melt for forming the single crystal. A crystal seed is then inserted into the melt and pulled from the melt to form a partial ingot, wherein the partial ingot radiates heat. An amount of gas is then introduced into the chamber which corresponds to a size of the partial ingot so as to provide a constant crystallization rate.

Abstract: An apparatus, die, and method can be used form a ribbon from a melt, where capillaries are relatively short and spacers are relatively long as compared to a die opening. Such a configuration can cause the melt to flow is a transverse direction that is substantially parallel to the solid/liquid interface to help move impurities to desired locations. In a particular embodiment, a crystal ribbon can be formed where defects, such as microvoids and impurities, are at higher concentrations near outer edges of the crystal ribbon. The outer edges can be removed to produce crystal substrates that are substantially free of microvoids and have no or a relatively low concentration of impurities. In another particular embodiment, the transverse flow can also help to increase the crystal growth rate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With such methods and apparatuses, a cast body of monocrystalline silicon may be formed that is free of, or substantially free of, radially-distributed impurities and defects and having at least two dimensions that are each at least about 35 cm is provided.