Patents Assigned to CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLC
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Patent number: 11680334Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a melt back of a seed in a boule are provided. The method includes lifting a boule once it has been produced using an actuating device onto a support table to automatically manipulate the boule from a furnace to the support table. The melt back of the seed is then automatically measured using a vision system that is installed on an imaging device disposed below the boule.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: John T. MacDonald
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Patent number: 11661671Abstract: A method of producing a crystalline material is provided that may include providing a crystal growth apparatus comprising a chamber, a hot zone, and a muffle. The hot zone may be disposed within the chamber and include at least one heating system, at least one heat removal system, and a crucible containing feedstock. Additionally, the method may include providing a muffle that surrounds at least two sides of the crucible to ensure uniform temperature distribution through the feedstock during crystal growth to allow the crystalline material to be grown with a square or rectangular shaped cross section.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Frederick Schmid, Cody Riopel, Hui Zhang
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Publication number: 20140160649Abstract: An electronic device comprising a cover plate is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: GT CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: David B. Joyce, John Q. Dumm, James M. Zahler
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Publication number: 20140123891Abstract: A method for producing a crystalline material in a crucible in a crystal growth apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises, in part, the step of determining the amount of solidified material present in a partially solidified melt produced during the growth phase using at least one laser positioned at a height above the crucible. A crystal growth apparatus comprising the laser is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: GT CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Edward P. Morris
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Patent number: 8329133Abstract: A method and apparatus for refining metallurgical silicon to produce solar grade silicon for use in photovoltaic cells. A crucible in a vacuum furnace receives a mixture of metallurgical silicon and a reducing agent such as calcium disilicide. The mix is melted in non-oxidizing conditions within the furnace under an argon partial pressure. After melting, the argon partial pressure is decreased to produce boiling and the process ends with directional solidification. The process reduces impurities, such as phosphorus, to a level compatible with solar-grade silicon and reduces other impurities significantly.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GT Crystal Systems, LLCInventors: Frederick Schmid, David B Joyce
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Patent number: 8177910Abstract: To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: GT Crystal Systems, LLCInventors: Frederick Schmid, Chandra P. Khattak, David B. Joyce
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Publication number: 20110146566Abstract: To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: GT CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Frederick SCHMID, Chandra P. KHATTAK, David B. JOYCE
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Patent number: 7918936Abstract: To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: GT Crystal Systems, LLCInventors: Frederick Schmid, Chandra P. Khattak, David B. Joyce
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Publication number: 20110048316Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: GT CRYSTAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Frederick Schmid, David B. Joyce, John Brouillette, Daniel P. Betty, Ryan Philpott