Abstract: A 3-dimensional physical object dynamic display comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive particle control plates and a plurality of electrically-conductive particles that are loosely disposed over at least some of the plurality of electrically-conductive particle control plates. These particles are each capable of holding an electrostatic charge. The display further comprises a control circuit configured to use the plurality of electrically-conductive particle control plates to selectively position at least some of the plurality of electrically-conductive particles into an aggregated form to thereby dynamically form a 3-dimensional physical object.

Abstract: A method of making a solar cell assembly includes placing backsides of multiple solar cells in contact with a substrate. The solar cells are electrically connected to each other. Heat and pressure are applied to the solar cells and the substrate to simultaneously impress the solar cells into the substrate and bond the solar cells to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor and a method for the production of high purity silicon granules. The reactor includes a reactor chamber; and the reaction chamber is equipped with a solid feeding port, auxiliary gas inlet, raw material gas inlet, and exhaust gas export. The reaction chamber is also equipped with an internal gas distributor; a heating unit; an external exhaust gas processing unit connected between a preheating unit and a gas inlet. The reaction chamber is further equipped with a surface finishing unit, a heating unit and a dynamics generating unit. The reaction is through decomposition of silicon containing gas in densely stacked high purity granular silicon layer reaction bed in relative motion, and to use remaining heat of exhaust gas for reheating. The present invention is to achieve a large scale, efficient, energy saving, continuous, low cost production of high purity silicon granules.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing multicrystalline silicon ingots by the induction method comprises an enclosure, which includes means for start-up heating of silicon and a cooled crucible enveloped by an inductor. The crucible has a movable bottom and four walls consisting of sections spaced apart by vertically extending slots, means for moving the movable bottom, and a controlled cooling compartment arranged under the cooled crucible. The inside face of the crucible defines a melting chamber of a rectangular or square cross-section. The walls of the cooled crucible extend outwards at least from the inductor toward the lowest portion of the cooled crucible to thereby expand the melting chamber, and the angle ? of expanding the melting chamber is defined by the equation ?=arctg[2·(k?1.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a transfer/inspection apparatus capable of inspecting any defect even during transferring and to provide a transfer/inspection apparatus capable of inspecting any defect in a non-contact state during transferring, even if the an object to be transferred is a transparent material. The transfer/inspection apparatus includes a transfer apparatus 2, and a defect inspector 3. The transfer apparatus 2 transfers a thin member 5 in a non-contacted state under control of voltage to be applied to an electrode face, and the defect inspector inspects any defect of the thin member during transferring the thin member. The transfer apparatus 2 is preferably provided with a light beam-transmitting portion (omitted portion 15) at a part of the electrode face for allowing the light beam therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a barium titanium oxide single crystal piece with a given structure using a containerless solidification process, which comprises the steps of preparing a material made of a barium titanium oxide, controlling the material to be in a levitated state within a levitation furnace, melting the levitated material using a laser, and solidifying the molten material while maintaining the levitated state. In a specific embodiment, a spherical sample having a composition of BaTiO3 and a weight of about 20 mg is subjected to a rapid solidification and melting process (temperature gradient: about 700 K/sec) 3 times while levitating the sample in 4.5 atm of air atmosphere using an electrostatic levitation furnace. Then, the re-molten sample is maintained at a temperature just below the melting point of the sample for a given time, and then rapidly cooled at a cooling rate of 300 K/sec to obtain a transparent blue barium titanium oxide single crystal.

Abstract: The invention provides a crystallizing method and an apparatus for producing a biopolymer capable of simplifying operations for taking out a produced crystal and mounting the crystal onto a crystal structure analyzer, thereby improving efficiency in the operations as well as reducing a labor burden. A crystallizing apparatus for producing a biopolymer crystal from a solution containing a biopolymer includes a crystal-growing chip 10 made of a material allowing electromagnetic waves to permeate through the chip, and in which a circular frame 16 is formed to retain a droplet 20 of a solution containing a biopolymer and a biopolymer crystal 28 produced in the droplet.

Abstract: Small crystals are made by mixing a solution of a desired substance with an anti-solvent in a fluidic vortex mixer in which the residence time is less than 1s, for example 10 ms. The liquid within the fluidic vortex mixer (12) is subjected to high intensity ultrasound from a transducer (20, 22). The solution very rapidly becomes supersaturated, and the ultrasound can induce a very large number of nuclei for crystal growth. Small crystals, for example less than 5 ?m, are formed. The resulting suspension is treated so as to add or remove ingredients, and then spray dried using an atomizer tuned to create small droplets in such a way that each droplet should contain not more than one crystal. Crystal agglomeration is hence prevented.

Abstract: A drop tube type particulate crystalline body producing device is a device for creating a substantially spherical crystalline body by solidifying a particulate melt of an inorganic material while allowing it to free-fall inside a drop tube. This device 1 has a melt formation device 2, drop tube 3, gas flow formation means for forming inside the drop tube 3 a gas flow of cooling gas, and recovery mechanism 5 for recovering a crystalline body 25a from the lower end of the drop tube 3. The drop tube 3 comprises an introducing tube 30, cooling tube 31, and solidification tube 32, where the cooling tube 31 is configured such that the cross sectional area thereof becomes smaller toward the bottom such that the cooling gas flow speed becomes substantially equal to the free fall speed of the particulate melt, and the solidification tube 32 is connected to the lower end of the cooling tube 31 and has a cross sectional area enlarged discontinuously from the lower end of the cooling tube 31.

Abstract: A kit for prescreening protein concentration for crystallization includes a multiplicity of vials, a multiplicity of pre-selected reagents, and a multiplicity of sample plates. The reagents and a corresponding multiplicity of samples of the protein in solutions of varying concentrations are placed on sample plates. The sample plates containing the reagents and samples are incubated. After incubation the sample plates are examined to determine which of the sample concentrations are too low and which the sample concentrations are too high. The sample concentrations that are optimal for protein crystallization are selected and used.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing single crystal ceramic powder is provided. The method includes a powder supply step for supplying powder consisting essentially of ceramic ingredients to a heat treatment area with a carrier gas, a heat treatment step for heating the powder supplied to the heat treatment area at temperatures required for single-crystallization of the powder to form a product, and a cooling step for cooling the product obtained in the heat treatment step to form single crystal ceramic powder. The method provides single crystal ceramic powder consisting of particles with a very small particle size and a sphericity being 0.9 or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for depositing layers, particularly crystalline layers, onto substrates. Said device comprises a process chamber arranged in a reactor housing where the floor thereof, comprises at least one substrate holder which is rotatably driven by a gas flow flowing in a feed pipe associated with said floor. Said substrate holder is disposed in a bearing cavity on a gas cushion and held in place thereby. The aim of the invention is to technologically improve the design of a substrate holder which is rotatably mounted in a gas flow, particularly in a linear cross-flowing process chamber. Said bearing cavity is associated with a tray-shaped element arranged below the outflow of the feed pipe.

Abstract: A protein crystal growth assembly including a crystal growth cell and further including a cell body having a top side and a bottom side and a first aperture defined therethrough, the cell body having opposing first and second sides and a second aperture defined therethrough. A cell barrel is disposed within the cell body, the cell barrel defining a cavity alignable with the first aperture of the cell body, the cell barrel being rotatable within the second aperture. A reservoir is coupled to the bottom side of the cell body and a cap having a top side is disposed on the top side of the cell body. The protein crystal growth assembly may be employed in methods including vapor diffusion crystallization, liquid to liquid crystallization, batch crystallization, and temperature induction batch mode crystallization.

Abstract: A furnace for growing a high volume of crystals includes a plurality of individual growth stations and first and second heater matrixes. Each individual growth station has a crucible and an insulating container generally surrounding the crucible and thermally isolating the crucible from the other individual growth stations. The first and second heater matrices each include at least two legs electrically connected in parallel and each of the legs have at least two resistance heaters electrically connected in series. Each of the individual growth stations have at least one of the resistance heaters within the first heater matrix and at least one of the resistance heaters within the second heater matrix associated therewith. The resistance heaters of the first heater matrix are located above the crucibles and are preferably adapted to provide a homogeneous temperature across tops of the crucibles.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method that appear to alter the effects of gravity by generating a magnetic field that causes an upward/downward magnetic force to act on a substance in a container. This offsets or adds to the downward force of gravity, to simulate a low-gravitational or excess-gravitational environment inside the substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the crystallization of molecules including a crystallization chamber (14) or chambers for holding molecules in a precipitant solution, one or more precipitant solution reservoirs (16, 18), communication passages (17, 19) respectively coupling the crystallization chamber(s) with each of the precipitant solution reservoirs, and transfer mechanisms (20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to respectively transfer precipitant solution between each of the precipitant solution reservoirs and the crystallization chamber(s). The transfer mechanisms are interlocked to maintain a constant volume of precipitant solution in the crystallization chamber(s). Precipitant solutions of different concentrations are transferred into and out of the crystallization chamber(s) to adjust the concentration of precipitant in the crystallization chamber(s) to achieve precise control of the crystallization process.

Abstract: A method of growing protein crystals in a protein crystal growth assembly including a crystal growth cell and further including a cell body having a top side and a bottom side and a first aperture defined therethroug, the cell body having opposing first and second sides and a second aperture defined therethrough. A cell barrel is disposed within the cell body, the cell barrel defining a cavity alignable with the first aperture of the cell body, the cell barrel being rotatable within the second aperture. A reservoir is coupled to the bottom side of the cell body and a cap having a top side is disposed on the top side of the cell body. The method includes steps of rotating the cell barrel to orient the insert in a fill/removal position; loading and securing a protein into the insert; rotating the barrel to a launch configuration position; rotating the barrel to activate and experiment by placing the cell in a growth position; and then rotating the barrel further to deactivate the experiment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a crystal thin plate of a substance capable of forming a crystal, wherein a molten layer of the substance formed on a support is cooled in the atmosphere of an inert gas or in vacuum at a rate of 10-300° C. per second under a micro-gravity environment to solidify and crystallize the molten layer. The cooling is performed by contacting a portion of the support with a cooling medium.

Abstract: To obtain large, high-quality crystals of a metal orthophosphate, in particular GaPO4 or AlPO4, from a nutrient solution with the use of seeds, a seed crystal is used having at least two rod- or wafer-shaped legs which form an angle with each other and define a main growth region, and which are positioned eccentrically in the single crystal grown. Contagious faces of two seed legs, which have been chosen for crystal growing, enclose an angle <180°. In this way the yield of the high-quality crystal region will be increased.

Abstract: This invention is a method for identifying conditions for growing protein crystals giving improved protein crystal growth. Crystals of a protein are grown under different sets of predetermined conditions, and x-ray topographic images of the protein crystals are generated to identify the set(s) of conditions that produce crystals having the fewest crystal defects. In a preferred embodiment, the protein crystals are grown in a dynamically controlled crystallization system. An important condition of crystal growth that can be optimized by the method of the invention is the effective gravity, geff, experienced by the growing crystal; for example, when the crystal is grown in a powerful magnetic field that causes the protein molecules in the growing crystal to experience acceleration of an effective gravitational field that is greater or less than the actual gravitational field at the earth's surface.

Abstract: Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals.

Abstract: A method for securing a device, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit, for fabrication. An apparatus includes a plenum having an input and several outputs. The input of the plenum is connected to a pressurized fluid source. The outputs are separated into two groups: a centralized output and several peripheral outputs. The outputs connects to apertures located on a top surface of the apparatus. The centralized apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to suspend the spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit device above the top surface. The peripheral apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to secure the device above the centralized apertures.

Abstract: A method of preparing a crystalline or amorphous material, wherein a droplet of a melt of a metal-containing material is cooled in the atmosphere of an inert gas or in vacuum and in a microgravity environment to solidify the droplet. The cooling is performed by impingement of the droplet prior to solidification against a cooling surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a device, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit, for fabrication. The apparatus includes a plenum having an input and several outputs. The input of the plenum is connected to a pressurized fluid source. The outputs are separated into two groups: a centralized output and several peripheral outputs. The outputs connects to apertures located on a top surface of the apparatus. The centralized apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to suspend the spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit device above the top surface. The peripheral apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to secure the device above the centralized apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crystallization unit including a solvent reservoir in gaseous communication with a plurality of chambers. Preferably, a plurality of crystallization units are arrayed in the form of a crystallization tray. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a crystallization tray 10 including a rectangular array of crystallization units 26. Each crystallization unit includes a central reservoir 28 and four drop chambers 32 arranged in a cruciform configuration around central reservoir 28. Each drop chamber 32 is connected to central reservoir 28 by a diffusion channel 30. Each drop chamber 32 also includes a shoulder which is capable of supporting a cover slip from which a drop of solution, containing the substance to be crystallized, can be suspended.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing crystals of a macromolecule in microgravity includes a container 100 which is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and an open end. A thermally conductive lid 102 is fitted on the open end of the container to close the container and a heat source/sink 114 is provided in thermal contact with the thermally conductive lid to generate a temperature gradient within the container. When a solution of the macromolecule is provided in the container, the temperature gradient induces and control the crystallization of the macromolecule. In operation, a temperature ramp from a start temperature to an end temperature is used to maintain and control the temperature gradient.

Abstract: For growing crystals, either in ground testing or in space, a capillary tube is used, which contains the solution of the substance to be crystallized, a layer of absorbent and a layer of air or other gas separating the solution from the absorbent. Two absorbent layers may be used on opposite sides of the solution, each separated from the solution by a gaseous layer. To delay the onset of crystallization, the absorbent on each side may be separated from the solution by two gaseous layers, with a charge of absorbable liquid between them. An absorbent may be removed or modified by removing or perforating an end cap used to seal the absorbent within the capillary tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a levitation melting method comprising applying a high-frequency current to a high frequency induction coil wound around a melting crucible to induction-heat a material introduced to the melting crucible; and erecting the resulting molten metal to be in no contact with the inner wall surface of the melting crucible with the bottom of the material being maintained in the solidified state; wherein a power input P of a high-frequency power source to the high-frequency induction coil, an inner radius R at the bottom of the crucible and super heat .DELTA.T of the molten metal satisfy the relationship of P/R2=.DELTA.T.multidot.(0.0008 to 0.002), as well as, a melting and casting method for casting the molten metal prepared by the levitation melting method described above into a mold using a snout suspended above the melting crucible such that the lower end of the snout may be submerged in the molten metal.

Abstract: A method of growing a compound semiconductor layer includes epitaxially growing a III-V compound semiconductor layer including nitrogen (N) for as the Group V element on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate of cadmium telluride (CdTe). Therefore, the atoms of the crystal lattice of the III-V compound semiconductor layer are periodically lattice-matched with the atoms of the crystal lattice of the CdTe semiconductor substrate, whereby the III-V compound semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown with high crystalline quality.

Abstract: Process for piloting an aircraft in order to improve a microgravity state and the corresponding system.Instead of supplying the pilot with an information linked with the instantaneous position of the equipment in free floating form (M), he is supplied with an information relative to the anticipated position of said equipment.Application to microgravity studies.

Abstract: When a single crystal is pulled up from a melt, the difference .DELTA.T between temperatures at the bottom of a crucible and at the interface of crystal growth is controlled so as to hold the Rayleigh constant defined by the formula of:R a=g.multidot..beta..multidot..DELTA.T.multidot.L/.kappa..multidot..nu.within the range of 5.times.10.sup.5 -4.times.10.sup.7, wherein g represents the acceleration of gravity, .beta. the volumetric expansion coefficient of the melt, L the depth of the melt, .kappa. thermal diffusivity and .nu. the kinematic viscocity. Since the convection mode of the melt at the interface of crystal growth is constantly held in the region of soft turbulence, a single crystal is grown under the stabilized temperature condition without the transfer of the impurity distribution in the melt into the growing single crystal.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting optimum protein crystallization conditions and for growing protein crystals in either 1g or microgravity environments comprising a housing defining at least one pair of chambers for containing crystallization solutions. The housing further defines an orifice therein for providing fluid communication between the chambers. The orifice is adapted to receive a tube which contains a gelling substance for limiting the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. The solutions are diffusively mixed over a period of time defined by the quantity of gelling substance sufficient to achieve equilibration and to substantially reduce density driven convection disturbances therein.The device further includes endcaps to seal the first and second chambers. One of the endcaps includes a dialysis chamber which contains protein solution in which protein crystals are grown.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus which thermal design is easy, and which is small in size and light in weight is provided which is operated by a person in a micro-gravity environment. The manufacturing apparatus has a manufacturing unit having an operation side on which an operation is performed directly by the hand of an operator who faces the front of the facility, and a housing section for supporting the manufacturing unit slidably along the operation side and in such a manner as to be pulled out from the front of the apparatus to the outside. The manufacturing unit is housed with the operation side being vertical, and slides substantially horizontally. Also, an observation facility is disposed between two manufacturing unit housed in a constant-temperature tank so that the two facing sides of the member are observed simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a capsule for carrying out processes of directed crystallization, especially in cosmic space conditions. The apparatus comprises a first compartment forming a multizone furnace having an inner surface divided into heating zones for heating up material pieces to be processed, and a second compartment for receiving capsule holders bearing capsules for receiving the material pieces, the first and second compartments being connected with one another through a cooled neck part and determining together a common closed space, the second compartment includes an upper and a lower annular rims prepared with cutouts for capsule holders, the capsule holders and the rims forming together a magazine of capsules, and revolving manipulating means.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vapor equilibrium apparatus for growing and screening suitable protein crystals is provided which consists of a plastic tray having a plurality of roughly cylindrical chambers that act as reservoirs for vapor equilibrating solutions and include a plurality of rib members having flattened upper ends recessed from the top of the chamber which form retaining levels wherein glass cover slips can be retained horizontally across the chambers in order to carry out the vapor equilibrating process. The upper ends can also be formed in a step-shaped fashion so as to provide multiple retaining levels of differing inner diameters which can retain glass cover slips of different sizes in the same chamber.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a plurality of syringes provided detachable on a base member and containing fluids that are used for processing a material; A processing chamber is provided detachable on the base member for causing the material processing: An actuation mechanism actuates the plurality of syringes to supply the fluids in the syringes to the processing chamber; An interconnection fixture connects the plurality of syringes to the processing chamber for transporting the fluids in the plurality of syringes to the processing chamber. The plurality of syringes are provided detachable with respect to the interconnection fixture, and the processing chamber is provided detachable with respect to the interconnection fixture.