Abstract: A lead-frame separating apparatus includes an inclined stationary stocker placed with a plurality of rectangular sheet-type lead-frames in alignment, and a chuck unit capable of taking two positions consisting of a stand-by position above conveying rails where it swings within a vertical plane and extends beneath the stocker, and a chuck position where it adjoins the first lead-frame on the stocker. At the chuck position, the chuck unit holds and takes out the first lead-frame, which is released at the stand-by position and transferred onto the conveying rails.

Abstract: A heating apparatus especially suitable for use in a crystal growth system, comprises a combination of a high pressure xenon arc discharge lamp and an ellipsoidal reflecting mirror having first and second focal points to heat a material feed rod by concentrated infrared radiation from the xenon lamp. The reflecting mirror is divided into at least two mirror portions between which a substantially straight additional part of a predetermined length is interpositioned. The additional part makes the distance between the two foci longer by said predetermined length. The center positions of the xenon lamp and the feed rod are located respectively at points apart from each of the focal points toward each other at a distance corresponding to the predetermined length, so as to obtain a desirable temperature distribution around the rod relative to a major horizontal axial plane of the ellipsoidal reflecting mirror.