Abstract: An annular crucible for containing molten, inorganic crystalline material in an apparatus for growing a plurality of substantially monocrystalline articles including a plurality of spaced forming members disposed in a ring-like arrangement within the crucible, and a pair of annular resistance heating elements concentric with the annular crucible, one element proximate the crucible inner wall and one element proximate the crucible outer wall. In combination with the annular crucible, a thin, ring-shaped resistance heating element substantially conforming in outside and inside diameters to those of the crucible and being disposed at a predetermined distance above the crucible, the ring element having apertures for passing the monocrystalline articles and having means for an independently controllable heat output.

Abstract: Feeder mechanism, suitable for use in a high-temperature furnace, comprises a rotatable, height-adjustable flat disc located axially below an outlet of a particulate raw material hopper and above (or within) but mounted on a rotatable funnel. Upon rotation of the disc and funnel, particulate raw material is gravity fed from the hopper onto the disc, then falls off the edge of the disc at a constant rate and is caught by the funnel which transports the raw material to a processing area, e.g. a crystal growing furnace, outside of the high-temperature furnace. A motor-driven, magnetically coupled mechanism for rotating the disc and funnel, and a threaded rod combined with nuts (along with bellows) for adjusting the separation between the disc and the hopper outlet (to control flow rate of the raw material), are provided outside of the space, e.g. high-temperature furnace, in which the combined hopper-disc-funnel are located.

Abstract: An annular crucible for containing molten, inorganic crystalline material in an apparatus for growing a plurality of substantially monocrystalline articles including a plurality of spaced forming members disposed in a ring-like arrangement within the crucible, and a pair of annular resistance heating elements concentric with the annular crucible, one element proximate the crucible inner wall and one element proximate the crucible outer wall. In combination with the annular crucible, a thin, ring-shaped resistance heating element substantially conforming in outside and inside diameters to those of the crucible and being disposed at a predetermined distance above the crucible, the ring element having apertures for passing the monocrystalline articles and having means for an independently controllable heat output.

Abstract: A feeder system for uniformly dispensing particulate raw batch material at a constant flow rate from a high temperature environment. A rotating, height adjustable disc is located below an outlet of a raw material hopper which gravity feeds particulate raw material to the disc surface. The raw material then falls off the disc edge at a constant rate as the disc rotates and is then caught by a receiving means which transports the raw material to a processing area outside of the high-temperature zone. The amount of a given material dispensed depends on the separation distance between the disc and the hopper, the speed of rotation of the disc, and the diameter of the disc surface. Means for rotating the disc, as well as means for adjusting the separation between the disc and the hopper are provided outside of the high temperature environment and are adapted for use in vacuum systems, especially in conjunction with a furnace apparatus for growing crystals from a melt.