Abstract: Particle scattering and/or trapping in the feed of particulate matter into a receptacle can be avoided by the use of a particulate matter-dispensing apparatus comprising telescopically-aligned internal and external robes associated with an actuator for telescopic movement of the tubes; the tubes having inner surfaces which are free of any protrusion or recession capable of preventing telescopic movement of the tubes or permitting the resting of particulate matter within the tubes, and the external tube having a distal orifice which is sufficiently smaller than its bore to decrease the flow rate of particulate matter through the tube. The novel apparatus is particularly useful for the discontinuous feeding of particulate polysilicon into a melting crucible.

Abstract: Improved process for separating ethylsilane from silane by selective adsorption onto an effectively treated carbon bed and method of treatment of such carbon bed to enhance the selective adsorption of ethylsilane.

Abstract: The inductive heating of a reactor vessel by an external electromagnetic heating source is made more uniform by placing a susceptor between the heating source and the reactor vessel. In preferred embodiments, the reactor vessel is a fluidized bed vessel made of graphite and suitable for the preparation or treatment of polysilicon particles, and the susceptor is also made of graphite.

Abstract: A process for safely and conveniently disposing of active metal residue, such as a mixture of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal, by introducing the residue into a furnace in which it is completely transformed into harmless metal salts or oxides, which can be disposed of safely and inexpensively.