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 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.