Abstract: For the continuous melting of silicon granulate for a band drawing method, a melt reservoir in communication with the melt crucible based on the principle of communicating vessels, is provided in the form of a thermally insulated, annular crucible in whose center axis a rotary plate to be centrifugally accelerated is arranged, the speed thereof being continuously varied. Two pipe parts connected to one another at an angle between approximately 45.degree. to about 90.degree. are secured on the rotary plate, the one, vertical pipe part thereof serving as admission in the rotational axis and the other pipe part thereof forming the acceleration path for the granulate particles in the direction toward the annular melt crucible. On the basis of this arrangement, a uniform delivery and melting of the granulate particles in the melt surface is achieved and, thus, a continuous silicon band drawing with uniform layer thickness is enabled. The arrangement is used in the manufacture of silicon bands for solar cells.

Abstract: A method and device for the complete emptying of flat quartz tanks or crucibles filled with silicon melt is provided. The apparatus includes an open outlet nozzle located in a floor of the tank and a tube-shaped, rod-shaped, or channel-shaped member composed of a material that is well-wettable by silicon melt that is brought into contact with the outlet nozzle after the conclusion of the drawing process. The member is in fluid communication with a collecting vessel. The outlet nozzle is so constructed and arranged that the silicon melt adjacent at the nozzle aperture is prevented from running out during the band drawing due to the curvature pressure of its downwardly, convexly arced surface. The apparatus can be used in continuous, horizontal band-drawing of silicon for solar cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing disk-shaped or wafer-shaped silicon bodies from a silicon tape produced in a horizontal tape-drawing process, utilizing a woven fabric of graphite threads as a carrier for the silicon to be crystallized. The crystallization of the molten silicon is initiated by heating sources positioned about the melt crucible. Radiation losses are reduced by providing shielding members in predetermined, prescribed intervals corresponding to the areas at which the parting lines are to be provided in the tape. The shielding members reduce the radiation losses to such an extent that a readily frangible line is produced in the area of the shielding members enabling the tape to be broken up at regular, predetermined intervals on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing crack-free, large-surface silicon crystal bodies for solar cells wherein a carrier member composed of a carbon fiber fabric is coated with silicon by bringing a molten silicon into contact with the carrier member and crystallizing it. In order to improve the wettability, the carrier member is subjected to an activating surface treatment before the coating. The method is useful for continuous manufacture of silicon sheets for solar cells.

Abstract: In a regenerable electric capacitor, particularly for a.c. voltage applications, the metal coatings consist of an alloy of aluminum and a metal whose oxides possess a specific resistance .rho.<10.sup.9 .OMEGA.cm. Alloy metals are preferably copper or zinc, and maganese, tin, silver, chromium, iron or lead are also suitable. With the alloy of the invention, the coating decomposition is prevented by the increased edge field strengths.