Abstract: An apparatus for continuously supplying granular polycrystal silicon to a crucible of a semiconductor single crystal pulling apparatus, comprising a funnel-shaped tank having a relatively large capacity, a main hopper having a relatively small capacity and weight, a subhopper having an intermediate capacity and weight and providing a passage from said tank to said main hopper, and a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the main hopper, wherein the overall weight of the main hopper is measured to obtain the flow rate (supply rate) of the granular polycrystal silicon.

Abstract: An isolation valve for a single crystal pulling apparatus providing a good sealing performance is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a casing having two opposite valve seats, a first valve seat having a first opening communicable with the main chamber of the apparatus, a second valve seat having a second opening communicable with the pull chamber of the apparatus. The body of the isolation valve includes a first plate movable in and out of contact with the first valve seat to open and shut the first opening, a second plate movable in and out of contact with the second valve seat to open and shut the second opening, and a bellows connecting the first and second plates.

Abstract: A solid catalyst comprising (1) silver ion, (2) aluminum oxide and (3) silicon oxide, which may further comprise, as the fourth ingredient(s), the oxide and/or ion of one or more of transition elements, alkaline earth metals, boron, thallium, tin, lead and phosphorus gives a high yield of isoprene in the reaction of isobutylene and formaldehdye and has a prolonged catalytic activity.

Abstract: Calcium cis-epoxysuccinate whose average particle size is not larger than 100 micron is converted into calcium L(+)-tartarate by a microorganism in a high concentration and in a better yield. This process is accelerated in the presence of a nonionic type surfactant of the medium.

Abstract: Calcium cis-epoxysuccinate is converted into calcium L(+)-tartarate by a microorganism in a high concentration and is a better yield. This process is accelerated in the presence of a nonionic type surfactant of the medium.

Abstract: L(+)-tartaric acid is produced in a high efficiency from cis-epoxysuccinic acid by a microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium or Rhizobium.