Abstract: A system for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, is provided. The system may have more than one brew module. The system allows a user to quickly and easily brew a variety of types of single-cup portions of a beverage. In some embodiments, the system may brew a single-cup portion of coffee in a relatively short period of time based on a combination of certain parameters. The system may include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles. The system may also include apparatus configured to substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. The system may also include apparatus configured to provide a precise dose of material based on, for example, volume of the material. Methods and apparatus for brewing a beverage are also disclosed.

Abstract: The desired amount of coffee grounds, tea leaves, herbs or other beverage making material is placed in a chamber of glass vessel located on a moveable table top in its lowered position. The table top is then elevated until the upper edge of the vessel seals against a top seal. With the top sealed, the desired amount of water of about 185°-212° F. is introduced into the chamber through a port in the top. Thereafter, a vacuum is drawn in the chamber and is held within the range of about ?5 to ?20 Hg in. Using an external heat source, the brewing liquid is maintained at about 185°-212° F. Alternatively, the vacuum can be pulsed by turning it on and off several times during the brewing cycle. After the beverage has brewed for the desired amount of time, the heat and vacuum are removed, the chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure and the table top is lowered to release the vessel. The contents of the chamber are then strained to remove solids from the beverage.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an adapting device (6) for adapting a capsule (100) into the capsule holder (7) of a food machine when said capsule or pod (100) is smaller than capsules or pods originally designed for insertion into said capsule holder, said machine comprising a fluid injection element (11) for circulating a fluid through the capsule to a discharge opening, said capsule comprising a body enclosing a food ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted so as to produce a food product, and further comprising circumferential edges (4, 22), said device comprising: a holding portion for holding at least a portion of said capsule, and sealing means (16, 17, 32) for circumferentially adapting to the capsule holder and/or to the fluid injection element, and/or to the capsule outside surface, in a leak-tight manner so that the fluid flow is directed solely from the fluid injection element (11) through the capsule, to a discharge opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly formed by a removable infusion unit and the supporting or locking elements thereof, for a machine for preparing beverages by extraction of a product to be infused. The assembly includes a receptacle intended to be rigidly connected to the machine and configured to removably receive the infusion unit. The assembly also includes a device for locking the unit onto the receptacle and an actuation device supported by either the unit or the receptacle and which controls the locking device and is arranged such that in a position in which the actuation device is deactivated, the locking device prevents the unit from being disconnected from the receptacle, and in a position in which the actuation device is activated, the locking device allows the unit to be disconnected from the receptacle. The invention is suitable for use in machines for preparing EXPRESSO-type beverages by extracting a product to be infused.

Abstract: Devices and methods for infusing liquids and/or brewing beverages are described. The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing beverages comprising a vessel, said vessel comprising a sealable chamber for holding a brewing material and a liquid, and a filter assembly connected to the sealable chamber; a liquid supply and conduit for introducing at least a portion of said liquid supply into said sealable chamber; and a vacuum source and conduit for reducing pressure in said sealable chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion unit forming a hollow inner space that receives inserted elements, characterised in that it consists of a reinforcement belt that defines the hollow inner space of the infusion unit, said belt including means for taking up the forces generated while infusing on at least one inserted element, the reinforcement belt further including receiving means for each of said elements. The invention also relates to a machine container as well as to a machine with one such infusion unit, and similarly to a method for assembling at least one element to be inserted into an infusion unit. The invention can be used in all types of infusion machines, in particular EXPRESSO coffee machines.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler can be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources can be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources can be many types of heat sources capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: A cooker is disclosed. The cooker includes a cooking assembly having a cooking member, a hinging arrangement to mount the cooking assembly onto a support so that the cooking assembly can be displaced relative to the support between an operative position in which the cooking member is in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a stowed or inoperative position in which the cooking assembly is displaced towards the support, and a front drip tray that is pivotally mounted on the cooking assembly and that is configured to pivot relative to the cooking assembly while the cooking assembly is pivoted between the operative and stowed positions and to catch cooking waste, such as drippings from the cooking member as the cooking assembly is pivoted into the stowed position.

Abstract: A roasting rack is separable into two halves by a joining pin, the pin can be inserted into both halves in one orientation, but locked to preclude removal in another orientation by rotating the handle at the end thereof.

Abstract: A device for regulating and adjusting a distance between pairs of adjacent rollers in a peeling machine for almonds and similar dried fruits is provided, wherein the rollers are horizontally aligned at both sides of a central plane through which the product to be peeled is passed, the device including a movement transmission shaft coupled to each pair of adjacent rollers, a motor for operation of the movement transmission shaft, wherein the motor is coupled to one of the ends of the transmission shaft, a torque meter for measuring torque at various positions of the rollers, wherein the torque meter is coupled to a spin axis of at least one of the rollers in the pair, and a sensor for measuring and regulating a working distance between the rollers, wherein the sensor is coupled to at least the other roller in the pair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baler ejection system that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as a round baler, waste baler, combine, or cotton harvester. More particularly, the bale ejection system uses the motion of two pairs of parallel arms that extend transversely from the sidewalls of a bale chamber at two sets of distinct pivot points. When activated by the operator of the bale ejection system, the two pairs of parallel arms raise simultaneously to expose an outlet through which the bale may be ejected. The bale ejection system is designed to allow a larger outlet for the bale evacuation as compared to existing bale ejection systems that employ circular motion to expose the bale outlet. A formed bale may become ejected by one or more conveyer belts that exert a rearward force on the bale within the bale chamber. The bale becomes ejected through the outlet onto a field upon which the bale ejection system is operating or into a second bale chamber.

Abstract: An anvil including a hard phase and a metal matrix in which the hard phase is dispersed, a concentration of the metal matrix phase varying according to a concentration gradient, is disclosed. The anvil may be used in a high pressure press. Methods of making an anvil including forming a hard phase dispersed in a metal matrix phase, a concentration of the metal matrix phase varying according to a concentration gradient, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for printing, activating and applying a flow of linerless activatable labels to a flow of items to be labeled. An activatable adhesive is formulated to readily absorb energy from a given radiation source, an activatable adhesive linerless label incorporates such the activatable adhesive. Related methods and uses are described. The activatable adhesive includes a plasticizer, a tackifier, and an adhesive base polymer that includes butyl acrylate, styrene, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and acrylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising (Component A) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of following (Component A-1) to (Component A-3), (Component B) a polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated compound, and (Component C) a polymerization initiator, (Component A-1) a polyisoprene that is a plastomer at 20° C. and does not have an ethylenically unsaturated group at the ends of the main chain, (Component A-2) a polybutadiene that is a plastomer at 20° C. and does not have an ethylenically unsaturated group at the ends of the main chain, and (Component A-3) an unsaturated polyester urethane that is a plastomer at 20° C., has an ethylenically unsaturated group in the interior of the main chain, and does not have an ethylenically unsaturated group at the ends of the main chain.

Abstract: A printer capable of printing two surfaces of a medium is disclosed in the present invention. The printer includes a base, a holder rotatably disposed on the base for holding webs, and a rotary mechanism for rotating the holder relative to the base. The rotary mechanism includes a wheel disposed on the holder, and a gear crank disposed on the base. A plurality of slots is formed on the wheel, and the gear crank includes an actuating pin. The actuating pin can slide into one of the slots when the gear crank rotates, so as to rotate the wheel, and the holder can rotate relative to the base.

Abstract: The supply of a negative pressure to an opening P(+1) adjacent to an opening P(0) is stopped by switching a suction valve connected to the opening P(+1) from an open state to a closed state while keeping a positive pressure valve connected thereto closed. Then, near the opening P(+1), a force for holding a blanket becomes gradually weaker against a pressure force in a pressurized space. Associated with that, an air component in the pressurized space flows into a space between a portion of the blanket vertically above the opening P(+1) and an upper surface, whereby the blanket portion is lifted from the upper surface and brought into contact with the lower surface of a printing plate. In this way, a contact area is slowly and stably widened while a sudden change of a pressure in the pressurized space SP5 is suppressed.

Abstract: A stamp for transferring a personalised coloured image onto a selected surface includes a stamping block with a lower surface and a flexible image bearing impermeable substrate of a polymer or copolymer having a textured surface. The stamp may be hand held and may include a handle at its end remote from the stamping surface of the substrate. The substrate may be separable from and attachable to the front surface of the stamping block. One or a plurality of flexible image bearing impermeable substrates may be provided. The substrate material is preferably ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising: (Component A) a polymer having a constituent unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and having at least two functional groups selected from the group consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated group, a hydroxyl group, and an alkoxysilyl group at the main chain ends.

Abstract: A resin composition for a flexographic printing plate that comprises comprising (Component A) a polyester resin having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the interior and at a terminal. A process for producing a flexographic printing plate precursor that preferably comprises a layer formation step of forming a relief-forming layer comprising the resin composition for a flexographic printing plate. A process for producing a flexographic printing plate precursor that preferably comprises a layer formation step of forming a relief-forming layer comprising the resin composition for a flexographic printing plate; and a crosslinking step of crosslinking the relief-forming layer by means of light and/or heat to thus obtain a flexographic printing plate precursor comprising a crosslinked relief-forming layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising (Component A) a polyurethane resin that is a plastomer at 20° C. and has an ethylenically unsaturated group in a main chain and a side chain and (Component B) a polymerization initiator. Also disclosed is a flexographic printing plate precursor for laser engraving, comprising a relief-forming layer comprising the above-described resin composition.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving that comprises (Component A) a resin that has a group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by Formula (I) to Formula (III) and is a plastomer at 20° C.; (Component B) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; and (Component C) a polymerization initiator. In Formula (I) to Formula (III), X, Y, and Z independently denote an alkylene group having 1 to 30 carbons, R1, R4, and R7 independently denote a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2, R3, R5, R6, R8, R9, R10, and R11 independently denote an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, or a hydroxy group, and a wavy line portion denotes a position of bonding to another structure.

Abstract: A print section patterns a coating layer to form a pattern layer on a carrier and then transfers the pattern layer to a substrate. A controller obtains a first carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the coating layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the coating layer and the printing plate based on the first carrier thickness immediately before the coating layer is patterned. The controller also obtains a second carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the pattern layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the pattern layer and the substrate based on the second carrier thickness immediately before the pattern layer is transferred.

Abstract: Provided among other things are reactive energetic material systems used for conductors in detonators for increased efficiencies. According to an embodiment, a detonator may include: a conductor including at least two constituents including (i) an electrically conductive constituent, and (ii) an electrically non-conductive constituent, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction; and a flyer plate having a non-conductive surface in contact with said conductor. When the sufficient electrical energy is supplied to said conductor, rapid heating and vaporization of at least a portion of the conductor occurs so as to explosively drive at least a portion of the flyer plate away from said conductor. In an embodiment, a multilayer conductor may be formed of alternating layers of at least one electrically conductive layer, and at least one electrically non-conductive layer, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: Device for setting off an avalanche, comprising a support intended to be fixed to the mounting side, for example on a concrete slab, and an enclosure one end of which is open, this enclosure being mounted on the support, said open end of the enclosure being intended to face towards the snow cap. The device further comprises means of filling the enclosure with an explosive gaseous mixture, firing means designed to set off the explosion of the said mixture and a remote-communication system. The enclosure is mounted removably on the support, by fitting its lower face, intended to receive the gaseous mixture, onto a bearing piece of the support, and the enclosure is autonomous in terms of energy supply and carries means of storing the gases that are intended to form the gaseous mixture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid inflator of an airbag. The hybrid inflator of the airbag includes a main casing, a central channel, a vent tube, a rupture disc, an inner cover group, an igniter group, a first buffering pad, a second buffering pad and a diffuser. The main casing includes a bottom housing and an upper housing. The central channel is fixed with the bottom housing and passed through the upper housing. A convective hole is disposed on the central channel. The vent tube is covered onto the external central channel and has a throttle bore thereon. The first buffering pad is disposed on a bottom of the inter air chamber. The second buffering pad is disposed in the inner air chamber to separate a space for propellant. The diffuser is correspondingly covered and fixed on the main casing.

Abstract: A vehicle having a wagon body which is supported on at least one running gear, wherein the wagon body defines a vehicle longitudinal direction, a vehicle transverse direction and a vehicle height direction. The wagon body has a body section and an adjacent head section. The head section has an outer skin and a flow separation unit for reducing sensitivity of the vehicle to crosswind. The flow separation unit comprises a roof-like protrusion formed by the outer skin. The roof-like protrusion has a first roof section, a second roof section, and a ridge section forming a transition between the first roof section and the second roof section. The first roof section and the second roof section run inclined to one another such that, the ridge section forms a flow separation edge for the air flow.

Abstract: A guide rail type vehicle of the present invention comprises a guide frame provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the floor surface of a vehicle body; a plurality of guide wheels which forms gripping pairs aligned in the vehicle width direction so as to be able to grip a center guide rail, and which is arranged in the front-and-rear direction of the guide frame; equalizing links supporting two guide wheels, which are adjacent to each other in the front-and-rear direction, so as to be able to roll about a guide wheel shaft parallel to the rotation axis, and connecting the two guide wheels as a connected pair and being attached to the guide frame so as to be rotatable about a link shaft parallel to the rotation axis; and a steering link mechanism changing the steering angle of tires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pivoting one or more front flaps (1a, 1b) of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. To achieve that the front flap can be opened and closed without friction and that it does not have any visible joints, the invention provides that the device comprises at least one carrier element (2) which, on the one hand, is connected with the front flap (1a, 1b) and, on the other hand, with the vehicle undercarriage, wherein the carrier element (2) can be pivoted in the horizontal plane relative to the vehicle undercarriage, and which is designed to change, during the pivoting, the front flap (1a, 1b) from a closed position into an opened position and vice versa. Furthermore, the device comprises an activation element (3) which, on the one hand, is connected with the at least one carrier element (2) and, on the other hand, with the vehicle undercarriage for pivoting the at least one carrier element (2) relative to the vehicle undercarriage.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free binder compositions are described that include an aldehyde or ketone, a nitrogen-containing salt of an inorganic acid, and an acidic compound. The acidic compound may be an organic acid, such as maleic acid or citric acid among others. The acidic compound is supplied in quantities that lower the pH of the binder composition to about 5 or less. The binder compositions may be used in methods of binding fiberglass and the resulting fiberglass products have an improved tensile strength due to the addition of the acidic compound.

Abstract: A process for the production of a plastic material based on cellulose acetate includes a plasticization step of cellulose acetate by mixing the cellulose acetate flake or powder with a mixture of plasticizers comprising at least two plasticizers chosen among esters of glycerine, esters of citric acid and esters of tartaric acid, while maintaining the temperature in the plasticization step below 50° C.

Abstract: A precursor batch composition that can be used to make porous ceramic articles is provided. The batch composition includes a cellulose-based polymer and, in particular, a methylcellulose showing a specified micro-calorimetry thermal response fingerprint that correlates to an increased Tonset.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a composition shellac and/or a salt thereof and sodium starch glycolate and at least one physiologically acceptable excipient and a process for obtaining it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a titanium dioxide pigment having consisting of titanium dioxide and single layer of inorganic surface treatment consisting of aluminum phosphate wherein the pigment is characterized by and isoelectric point which is greater than pH 6 and a negative zeta potential of at a pH of 7.5 or more.

Abstract: An improved concrete is provided having a concrete formed from a wet concrete mixture; and a non-chemical admix added to the wet concrete mixture and configured to contain bubbles in order to control the amount of entrained air formed in the concrete when the wet concrete mixture cures into the improved concrete. The non-chemical admix includes a multiplicity of hollow objects, bodies, elements or structures, each configured with a respective cavity, unfilled space, or hole to trap and maintain a bubble inside. The hollow objects, bodies, elements or structures include hollow cylinders, or spheres, or capillary tubes, or some combination thereof. Each hollow object, body, element or structure is configured with a dimension so as not to absorb liquid, including water, including where the dimension is in a range of about 20-30 microns, and is made of glass or a glass-like material.

Abstract: Inorganic polymer compositions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The compositions include the reaction product of a reactive powder, an activator, and optionally a retardant. The reactive powder includes fly ash, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, and less than 10% by weight portland cement. In some examples, the composition is substantially free from alkanolamines. In some examples, the ratio of water to reactive powder is from 0.06:1 to less than 0.2:1. Also described herein are building materials including the compositions.

Abstract: Inorganic polymer compositions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The compositions include the reaction product of a reactive powder, an activator, and optionally a retardant. The reactive powder includes fly ash and a tricalcium aluminate additive. In some examples, the reactive powder comprises less than 5% by weight portland cement. The tricalcium aluminate is present in an amount of 0.5% or greater by weight of the reactive powder. Also described herein are building materials including the compositions.

Abstract: To provide either a facility comprising a plurality of stores that offer food and drink, and that treats customer seating for the plurality of stores as a shared space, or a method of attracting customers to said facility. This facility comprises: a traveling wheeled vehicle, which is capable of carrying customers on a tour of the shared space; and rotating tables. The rotating tables are configured such that tables are positioned upon rotating devices. The rotating devices comprise upper rotating bodies, further comprising central gears which are positioned in the centers of bases. The rotating devices further comprise: drive motors that are capable of rotationally driving the central gears; and casters that support the upper rotating bodies. The traveling wheeled vehicle and the rotating tables are positioned in the shared space.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pallet includes the following steps: (a) preparing a bottom case and a top cover respectively; (b) positioning the bottom case and top cover into a mould of an EPS foams molding machine, closing the mould and filling the mould cavity with EPS beads; (c) heating to make the EPS beads expand to form an inner core which is fused with the bottom case or top cover and then doing a cooling process; (d) opening the mould, positioning the top cover or bottom case onto the bottom case or top cover and closing the mould, heating to make the EPS beads expand again to be fused with the top cover or bottom case, and then doing a cooling process; and (e) demolding to produce a pallet. The outer casing and inner core of the pallet has good bond strength, thereby ensuring the quality of pallet.

Abstract: A gun safe is configured to be mounted underneath a portion of an item of furniture and to be deployable from a storage position underneath the portion of the item of furniture into a readily-accessible position adjacent the item of furniture. The gun safe includes a lockable container sized to receive a weapon therein and an articulating mount configured to secure the lockable container underneath the portion of the item of furniture in the storage position. The articulating mount includes a fixed element configured to be fixed underneath the portion of the item of furniture and an articulating element attached between the fixed element and the lockable container, the articulating element being configured to facilitate movement of the lockable container from the storage position outward and upward to a deployed position adjacent the item of furniture.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator of the present invention comprises in combination a stationary hollow duct housing having a first end and a second end through which fluid flows. The device also incorporates a movable member aligned concentric with the duct having an end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the housing. The member may be spaced apart from the duct so that fluid can enter the duct housing through an opening defined by the space between the end of the member and the first end of the duct, with the movement of the member serving to change the size of opening. The movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-catalytic biomass burner that may be used to burn a variety of fuel types at high efficiencies. The burner may include a cylindrical combustion chamber with an auxiliary igniter to heat the fuel in the combustion chamber until desirable combustion temperatures are reached. Fuel may be added to the chamber via a fuel feed assembly, and the rate of fuel addition to the chamber by the fuel feed assembly may be controlled by a computer. A fan located on the distal side of a flue pipe from the chamber may also be provided that pulls air into the chamber through one or more air inlets that are designed to encourage cyclonic air and exhaust flow in the chamber. Methods are further provided for controlling the manner of operation of the burner by a computer that may be instructed by a computer program code.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of embroidery data which respectively corresponds to a plurality of embroidery patterns and computer-readable instructions. The instructions instruct the sewing machine to execute steps of selecting one of the plurality of embroidery data and sewing the embroidery pattern corresponding to the selected embroidery data. The instructions further instruct the sewing machine to execute steps of extracting, from the plurality of embroidery data, specific embroidery data, wherein the specific embroidery data is usable in combination with the selected embroidery data, and sewing the specific embroidery pattern based on the extracted specific embroidery data.

Abstract: A bus seat for use in a bus comprises a frame and a seat back secured to a portion of the frame. The bus seat further comprises a seat cushion secured to another portion of the frame. The bus seat also comprises a removable two piece cover arranged over the seat back, wherein the cover pieces are secured to one another with a zipper. The zippered two piece seat back cover allows for easy installation, removal or replacement of any damaged or worn portions of the seat back trim cover.

Abstract: An offshore marine port including a plurality of individual modules of the same dimensions and alike size and shape, being attached to form a singular large platform and having apparatus either fixed or mobile, robotic or manned, pertaining to the handling and efficient movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while being off-loaded or on-loaded to either bulk or break bulk vessels or barges; liquids vessels or barges; or cargo container vessels or barges. The ‘modules’ are constructed in a way as to most effectively provide for the movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while transiting through the intended structure. The mono semi-submersible sections of each module, serves to allow for more usable arrears for below main deck operations, while still providing for ample research and development spaces and supporting laboratories.

Abstract: A bracket invention is mounted to the rear area of a personal watercraft or PWC, for the purpose of providing a method and means of attaching items such as but not limited too; rod holders, sonar, lights, cooler accessories, beverage holder, fuel containers, wiring, gun case, camping supplies, fishing/hunting accessories, and water sports equipment. The bracket invention is formed in such a way that these items can be firmly attached and/or located to the PWC, extending and adding to its useful functionality. The bracket is designed to be easily attached and removed from the PWC using existing holes and location points. The bracket invention allows for easy tie off when mooring at dock, a integral mounting point for a drag bucket used to modify the PWC's speed, and/or a lighting system extending the useful period of time that a rider can operate the PWC safely and legally.

Abstract: A pressure indication device is provided to connect to an inflation mechanism of an inflation machine. The pressure indication device includes a linearly movable plate and an elastic element. A scale bar having graduations is provided along a moving path of the plate. The elastic force of compression of the elastic element serves as a reaction force (restoration and returning force) for the linear movement of the plate. Correspondingly, a pressure is induced in an air compartment of the inflation mechanism the so that the moving distance of the plate is indicative of the pressure level and thus precise measurement of pressure can be realized.

Abstract: The suggested technical solution relates to a field of measurement technology and may be used for producing the means for visual representation of information about readings of pointer indicators. The suggested method for visual representation of information about readings of pointer indicators lies in putting a hand into motion over an outer face of a display panel; performing additional rotation of the hand around a longitudinal axis of the hand; and visually reading a value of a reading of the hand based on a location of an end of the hand over the outer face of a scale of the display panel. The technical effect achieved by the suggested technical solution lies in providing a sufficiently high degree of visual representation of information about readings of pointer indicators.

Abstract: An improved system based on the Czochralski process for continuous growth of a single crystal ingot comprises a low aspect ratio, large diameter, and substantially flat crucible, including an optional weir surrounding the crystal. The low aspect ratio crucible substantially eliminates convection currents and reduces oxygen content in a finished single crystal silicon ingot. A separate level controlled silicon pre-melting chamber provides a continuous source of molten silicon to the growth crucible advantageously eliminating the need for vertical travel and a crucible raising system during the crystal pulling process. A plurality of heaters beneath the crucible establish corresponding thermal zones across the melt. Thermal output of the heaters is individually controlled for providing an optimal thermal distribution across the melt and at the crystal/melt interface for improved crystal growth. Multiple crystal pulling chambers are provided for continuous processing and high throughput.

Abstract: Systems and methods for crystal growth are provided. One method includes producing a lateral thermal profile in a furnace having a crucible therein containing a material for growing a crystal. The lateral thermal profile has three zones, wherein the first and third zones have temperatures above and below a melting point of the material, respectively, and the second zone has a plurality of temperatures with at least one temperature equal to the melting point of the material. The method further includes combining the lateral thermal profile with a vertical thermal gradient produced in the furnace, wherein the vertical thermal gradient causes a point in a bottom of the crucible located in the third zone to be the coldest point in the crucible. The method also includes transferring heat from the first and second zones to the third zone to produce a leading edge of the interface.

Abstract: A crystal growth device includes a crucible and a heater setting. The crucible has a bottom and a top opening. The heater setting surrounds the crucible and is movable relative to the crucible along a top-bottom direction of the crucible and between first and second positions. The heater setting includes a first temperature heating zone and a second temperature heating zone higher in temperature than the first temperature heating zone. The heater setting is in the first position when the crucible is in the second temperature heating zone and in the second position when the crucible is in the first temperature heating zone.