Abstract: The invention discloses a device and a method for continuous VGF crystal growth through reverse injection synthesis, relating to a device for preparing a semiconductor crystal and growing a single crystal, in particular to a method and a device for continuously growing the crystal in situ by using a VGF method and reverse injection synthesis. The device includes a furnace body, a crucible, a heat preservation system, a heating system, a temperature control system and a gas pressure regulation system, wherein the crucible is arranged in the furnace body, has a synthesis unit at its upper part, and has a crystal growth unit and a seed crystal unit at its lower part, and the synthesis unit is communicated with the crystal growth unit through capillary pores.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a windshield camera module having a camera and a circuit board, with the camera having a field of view through the windshield and forward of the vehicle. The camera is electrically connected to circuitry established at the circuit board via a flexible electrical connection, where the circuitry (i) provides power to the camera, (ii) controls the camera and (iii) receives image data from the camera. With the camera module at the windshield, at least a portion of the circuit board is further from the windshield than the lens of the camera. With the camera module at the windshield, at least a portion of the circuit board is disposed at the windshield higher up than the lens of the camera. An image processor processes captured image data and is part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crucible of a coating machine The crucible includes a heat conduction device installed inside the crucible. The heat conduction device includes one or multiple radial metal wires or metal strips disposed along a radial direction of the crucible, and one or multiple axial metal wires or metal strips disposed along an axial direction of the crucible. By the heat conduction device formed by metal wires or metal strips, it can achieve a better heat conduction such that the heating temperature of the organic material placed in the crucible is uniform to achieve the steady state of thermal equilibrium. And the crucible can fill more material, increase evaporation rate, decrease the number of refilling the material, and improve production efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing low oxygen-content molybdenum powders by reducing MoO3. The apparatus includes a body, a cover to close an upper end of the body, a joint to couple the body with the cover, a bracket located in the body, and a micro-sieve located on an upper portion of the bracket. Metal Mo powders having the oxygen content of 3,000 ppm are obtained by using the apparatus for producing low oxygen-content molybdenum powders by reducing MoO3.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace comprising hot zone insulation having at least one shaped thermocouple assembly port to reduce temperature measurement variability is disclosed. The shaped thermocouple assembly port has an opening in the insulation facing the hot zone that is larger than the opening on the furnace shell side of the insulation. A method for producing a crystalline ingot in a high temperature furnace utilizing insulation having a shaped thermocouple assembly port is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deactivating an explosive composition in order to render the composition safe. The present invention also relates to a cartridge that contains an explosive composition and that is adapted to achieve deactivation of the explosive composition in the event that it is not detonated as intended during use.

Abstract: A heat treatment container for a vacuum heat treatment apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a bottom portion and a sidewall, and a support protruding inward.

Abstract: A crucible includes a composite of least two materials. The two materials are selected from a group consisting of alumina, calcia, yttria, erbia, gadolinia, magnesia, hafnia, and zirconia in a composition that has better resistance to reaction with hafnium from a molten hafnium-containing alloy than a nominal crucible composition of 70 wt % magnesia and 30 wt % alumina.

Abstract: By providing a method capable of avoiding invasion of starting material powder for crucible into an inner face of the crucible, it is made possible to reliably avoid the invasion of foreign substances into a vitreous silica crucible until an actual use time of the crucible and to handle the crucible with no contamination. A cover 3 mounted onto an opening portion 2 of a vitreous silica crucible 1, comprising a flange portion 4 in close contact with an outer peripheral end 2a of the opening portion 2, is mounted onto the crucible 1.

Abstract: Methods for making a reinforced refractory crucible for melting titanium alloys including providing a form, applying a facecoat to the form, the facecoat having at least one facecoat layer, applying a backing about the facecoat, the backing having at least one backing layer, applying at least one reinforcing element to at least a portion of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A vapor deposition source including a crucible configured to hold a quantity of molten constituent material and at least one nozzle to pass vapor evaporated from the molten constituent material out of the crucible.

Abstract: A high temperature evaporator is made using an electrically insulating crucible and a heating element made of woven graphite fibers. The crucible is manufactured out of an electrically insulating block to the required shape, and channels are machined on the walls of the crucible. The woven graphite cord is threaded through the channels and is used as heating elements. Since the heating cords are made of woven graphite, they are very flexible and do not embrittle. They can be manufactured to various resistivity as needed, allowing for relatively inexpensive power supplies and low current power delivery. The cords are not fragile and do not break due to thermal shock or vibration.

Abstract: Refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stress and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys having a facecoat, a backing, and at least one retaining ring applied about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible, the retaining ring comprising a composition selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, non-conductive materials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A silica glass crucible used for pulling up silicon single crystal at a high temperature. The silica glass crucible may have at least an outer surface of a wall part of the crucible covered with fine grooves having a length of less than 200 ?m, a width of less than 30 ?m and a depth of from more than 3 ?m to less than 30 ?m. The fine groves may be formed by carrying out a sand-blast treatment and a hydrofluoric acid etching and may exist on more than 10% of the outer surface of the crucible, and a sliding frictional coefficient of the outer surface of the crucible to a carbon at 1500° C. is more than 0.6.

Abstract: Methods for making refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stresses and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys, the method involving providing a crucible having at least a facecoat and a backing, heating at least one retaining ring, applying the at least one retaining ring about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible; and allowing the at least one retaining ring to cool and shrink-fit about the crucible.

Abstract: To provide a silica glass crucible, wherein there are no problems of generating a sinking and buckling when said crucible is used for pulling up silicon single crystal at a high temperature. The silica glass crucible used for pulling up the silicon single crystal, wherein at least an outer surface of a wall part of the crucible is covered with fine grooves having a length of less than 200 ?m, a width of less than 30 ?m and a depth of from more than 3 ?m to less than 30 ?m. Preferably, said fine groves are formed by carrying out a sand-blast treatment and a hydrofluoric acid etching and exist on more than 10% of the outer surface of the crucible, and a sliding frictional coefficient of the outer surface of the crucible to a carbon at 1500 degree C. is more than 0.6.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a quartz glass crucible reduced in the generation of vibration occurring on the surface of a silicon melt and free from the generation of rough surface and cristobalite spots, yet capable of pulling up single crystal silicon stably and at high yield even in long-term operations; it is also an object to provide a method for producing the same. In a quartz glass crucible for pulling up single crystal silicon comprising a crucible base body having a bottom part and a straight shell part with an inner layer provided to the inner surface thereof, the quartz glass crucible is characterized by that said inner layer comprises a synthetic quartz glass layer from the lowest end to at least a height of 0.25 H; a naturally occurring quartz glass layer or a mixed layer of naturally occurring quartz glass and synthetic quartz glass extended in a range of from at least 0.5 H to 0.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for conducting clinical trials. The clinical trial consists of the inventive system (10); a computing device (12); application database (11a), the personnel database (11b), and the trial data database; computing devices (14a), (14b), and (14c) for use by trial participants and trial investigators; computing device (15); computer devices (16a), (16b), and (16c) for use by trial monitors; computing devices (18a), (18b), and (18c) for use by laboratories to connect via the network (20).

Abstract: The invention provides a separating vessel (10) suitable for use in the treatment of a mineral sample wherein a molten slag (11) is separated from a molten collector material (12) comprising a container defining an interior cavity (13) for receiving the molten materials (11, 12), an outlet aperture (14) leading from the interior cavity to the exterior of the container, and a separating surface (15) associated with the outlet aperture (14) which is shaped to cause droplets of flux (11a) to be carried along such surface, while droplets of collector material (12a) drip off such surface by the force of gravity.

Abstract: Resistance-heated ceramic vaporizer boat (10) comprising an elongated vaporizer body having an upper side (1) and a lower side (2) being parallel to each other, and the vaporizer body having plane lateral side surfaces (3) being non-parallel to each other, wherein each of said lateral side surfaces (3) is inclined by an angle of 45° with respect to the upper side (1). Preferably, the end portions at the longitudinal ends of the vaporizer body are reduced, at the lower side (2) thereof, to a predetermined partial thickness (t), whereby a cavity at the upper side (1) of the vaporizer body can be omitted.

Abstract: A method of forming a pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN) article and an article having layers of PBN separated by layers of PBN having a dopant of sufficient concentration to induce peeling, the steps of introducing vapors of ammonia and a gaseous boron halide in a suitable ratio into a heated furnace reactor to cause boron nitride to be deposited in layers on a substrate, with at least one gaseous dopant injected into furnace at controlled periodic interval(s) such that at least two selected layers of boron nitride are doped with said gaseous dopant(s) at a minimum average concentration of 0.1 atomic wt % at a depth ranging from 1000 to 2000 angstroms in each selected layer, and with the selected layers spaced apart about 0.1 micron to 100 microns.

Abstract: A silica glass crucible is manufactured by introducing into a rotating crucible mold bulk silica grain to form a bulky wall including a bottom wall and a side wall. After heating the interior of the mold to begin to fuse the bulk silica grains, an inner silica grain, doped with aluminum, is introduced. The heat at least partially melts the inner silica grain, allowing it to fuse to the wall to form an inner layer. The crucible is cooled, the fused silica grains forming nuclei of crystalline silica within the inner layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer structured quartz glass crucible, for pulling up silicon single crystal, whose structure has at least three layers comprising: a translucent outer layer made of naturally occurring quartz glass and having a large number of pores, a translucent intermediate layer, made of synthetic quartz glass and having a large number of pores, and a transparent inner layer substantially free from pores and made of a synthetic quartz glass. Thermal convection within the silicon melt is suppressed by use of the quartz glass crucible, thereby preventing oscillation on the surface of the silicon melt. A method for producing the quartz glas crucible is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing charcoal in a kiln from hardwood. The kiln is constructed over an array of hardwood logs supported on a suitable platform. Fill material is used to form a surrounding jacket surrounding the hardwood, a sawdust layer is applied over the surrounding jacket, and an airtight layer of clay earth and sand is applied over the sawdust layer. An ignition access port is provided through the several layers to allow ignition and combustion of the hardwood, after which the access port is closed to prevent air from entering the interior of the kiln during burning of the hardwood. After a predetermined burning time, the kiln and its contents are allowed to cool, and the filler, clay earth, sand and any remaining debris are removed from the hardwood. The hardwood is then cooled a second time, and then cooled a third time by stifling the hardwood, such as in a cooling box capped with earth.

Abstract: To provide a silica glass crucible, wherein there are no problems of generating a sinking and buckling when said crucible is used for pulling up silicon single crystal at a high temperature. The silica glass crucible used for pulling up the silicon single crystal, wherein at least an outer surface of a wall part of the crucible is covered with fine grooves having a length of less than 200 &mgr;m, a width of less than 30 &mgr;m and a depth of from more than 3 &mgr;m to less than 30 &mgr;m. Preferably, said fine groves are formed by carrying out a sand-blast treatment and a hydrofluoric acid etching and exist on more than 10% of the outer surface of the crucible, and a sliding frictional coefficient of the outer surface of the crucible to a carbon at 1500 degree C. is more than 0.6.

Abstract: A method of forming a pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN) article and an article having layers of PBN separated by layers of PBN having a dopant of sufficient concentration to induce peeling, the steps of introducing vapors of ammonia and a gaseous boron halide in a suitable ratio into a heated furnace reactor to cause boron nitride to be deposited in layers on a substrate, with at least one gaseous dopant injected into furnace at controlled periodic interval(s) such that at least two selected layers of boron nitride are doped with said gaseous dopant(s) at a minimum average concentration of 2 atomic wt % at a depth ranging from 1000 to 2000 angstroms in each selected layer, and with the selected layers spaced apart about 0.1 micron to 100 microns apart.

Abstract: A melting liner for an induction melting furnace includes an integral foot portion for locating a lip portion of the melting liner in a convenient position for pouring molten metal.

Abstract: A parts container for minimizing oxidation of heat-treated parts during transfer in an oxygen-containing environment. The container includes: a heat-resistant vessel having an interior space and including oppositely positioned first and second apertures; a heat-resistant, porous support element fluidly connected to the first aperture to provide a bottom to for the vessel; and a disposed in the interior space a plurality of fluidizable granular solids and at least one heat-treatment part. The fluidizable granular solids provide a transient protective environment for the parts after heat treatment thereby minimizing exposure of the parts to oxygen in the surrounding environment. Additional embodiments and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: The present is invention is concerned with a heat deformable crucible used for the preparation of glass-ceramic materials and the resulting dental restorations. The crucible has a base and a side portion and is formed from the sintering of silica with a particulate mixture of borosilicate glass having a composition in weight percent of 78% SiO2, 15% B2O3, 2.5% Al2O3 and 4.5% Na2O3.

Abstract: The resistant heated flash evaporator of the present invention is designed for flash evaporating a metal charge in a confined area and is substantially horse shoe in geometrical configuration having opposite ends and an upper section with the upper section having a recessed cavity adapted to receive the metal charge and having two leg sections extending downwardly from the opposite ends of the vessel. The cross sectional dimension of each leg section nearest the recessed cavity is substantially smaller in size than the cross sectional dimension of each leg section as it recedes therefrom so as to form a large open area below the recessed cavity.

Abstract: A crucible 40 having an inner surface 42 not wetted by a melt which shrinks when it solidifies is provided with indentations 41 in the walls of the crucible to support an ingot grown in it. Supporting the crystal provides a gap between the bottom of the ingot 44 and the inner surface of the bottom of the crucible. The gap allows more uniform heat transfer from the bottom of the crucible than is provided when there is no gap; the gap provides a controllable temperature gradient between the interior and exterior of the crucible. To direct propagation of the growth of a macrocrystal, the bottom of the crucible is provided with at least one set of multiple grooves in parallel relationship with each other. Preferably a second set of multiple grooves in parallel relationship with each other intersect the grooves of the first set at an angle chosen depending upon the lattice structure of the macrocrystal to be grown. A macrocrystal grown in a crucible with twin sets of angulated grooves produces single crystals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a corrosion-resistant member having a resistance to plasma of a halogen based corrosive gas, which comprises a main body and a corrosion-resistant layer formed on a surface of the main body and containing a fluoride of at least one element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements and alkaline earth elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a resistance-heated vaporizer boat for vaporizing metal. According to the invention, a reduced temperature is generated in the edge region, i.e., along the longitudinal edge of the vaporizer boat, such that there is only a very slight wetting tendency along this longitudinal edge. Consequently, the melt can be localized such that it cannot overflow over the longitudinal edges of the vaporizer boat, without a cavity necessarily having to be provided in the vaporization surface of the vaporizer boat. As a result, optimum wetting and constantly targeted vaporization of the metal upwards towards the area to be vapor-deposited are attained.

Abstract: An evaporator is provided for the evaporation of metal, which has a cross-sectional area in the region from which evaporation of the metal takes place which is greater than the corresponding cross-sectional area of a triangular evaporator of the same width and height and has, in the specified region, a smaller minimum circumference than a rectangular evaporator having the same width and height.

Abstract: A coal/coke sample is heated under controlled circumstances as a step in determining content of volatile matter. The sample is placed in a crucible having a lid and which is suspended by means of a crucible holder in a heating cavity of a furnace. The invention provides precisely, mechanically guiding the crucible holder and crucible into and out of the cavity to prevent inadvertent touching of the cavity wall by the crucible and thus also to prevent possible dislodging of the lid and spoiling of the sample. The crucible holder is secured to a lid of the furnace, and the furnace lid is guided along upwardly extending guide rods. Lifting and lowering of the lid may be manually. Instead, it may be hydraulically or pneumatically.

Abstract: A porous ceramic body having a ceramic framework is produced having a surface roughness of about 40 microns or less. The ceramic body has a plurality of pores where each pore is interconnected with at least one adjacent pore. The ceramic body is made from a powdered ceramic component and a pore-forming polymeric component such as polymeric beads. The ceramic component is alumina which can contain at least one other component selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, barium oxide, titanium dioxide, and zirconium dioxide. The pore-forming polymeric beads, such as polymethylmethacrylate beads, each having a particle size of 100 microns or less, are mixed with the ceramic powder. The powdered mixture is compressed under pressure and heated to form a porous ceramic body. A coating of an aqueous dispersion of a metal oxide can be applied to the surface of the ceramic body and heated to produce a smooth and durable coating.

Abstract: A sintered metal ceramic crucible suitable for high temperature induction melting of reactive metals without appreciable carbon or silicon contamination of the melt. The crucible comprises a cast matrix of a thermally conductive ceramic material; a perforated metal sleeve, which serves as a susceptor for induction heating of the crucible, embedded within the ceramic cast matrix; and a thermal-shock-absorber barrier interposed between the metal sleeve and the ceramic cast matrix to allow for differential thermal expansions between the matrix and the metal sleeve and to act as a thermal-shock-absorber which moderates the effects of rapid changes of sleeve temperature on the matrix.

Abstract: A large diameter quartz crucible with an inner diameter of 22 inches or more comprises an opaque silica glass outer layer having bubbles of 10 .mu.m to 250 .mu.m in diameter and 5 mm to 20 mm in thickness and a transparent silica glass inner layer having 0.5% or less in a bubble content and 0.3 mm or more in thickness which is molten and integrated with an inner surface of the outer layer. The outer layer has an OH group concentration of 80 ppm or less and the gas pressure in a bubble in the outer layer is lower than atmospheric pressure so that a volume expansion ratio of the bubble is minimized when being heated in condition of pulling a single crystal.

Abstract: Refractory ceramics and composite materials consisting of nitrides, carbides, mixed carbides and oxides, oxycarbides, mixed nitrides and oxides, and oxynitrides of Group IVB metals Hf, Zr, and Ti, Group IIA metals Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, and Group IIIB metals Sc, Y, and lanthanides La through Lu are used to form refractory articles, or as coatings for refractory articles. These materials and articles have high resistance to molten metals, molten salts, erosion, and high temperature corrosive environments, and can be engineered to have desirable thermal and electrical properties. The refractory materials encompass nitrides, carbides, reacted ternary and quaternary oxides, mixed carbides and oxides, oxycarbides, mixed nitrides and oxides, and oxynitrides and have the general chemical formula M.sub.x1 M'.sub.x2 M".sub.x3 N.sub.y C.sub.w O.sub.z where M is Hf, Zr, or Ti, M' is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba, M" is Sc, Y, and lanthanides La through Lu, N is nitrogen, C is carbon, O is oxygen.

Abstract: A jig used for heat treatment made from an SiC-coated silicon carbide material, wherein the SiC film is coated by the CVD method on a silicon carbide matrix in which silicon has been impregnated and wherein there are no pores with a diameter of 2 .mu.m or larger in the outer layer of the matrix within 200 .mu.m from the interface of the SiC film and the silicon carbide matrix when observed by a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 400 times. The jig is manufactured by producing an SiC film on the surface of a silicon carbide matrix in which silicon has been impregnated by introducing a raw material compound for producing the SiC film and forming the SiC film at a temperature from 1000.degree. C. to 1290.degree. C. under a pressure from 500 to 760 Torr in a non-oxidative atmosphere. The jig exhibits superior resistance to high temperature heating cycles and excellent high thermal shock resistance required for heat treatment in semiconductor manufacturing.

Abstract: A unibody, monolithic, one-piece negative draft crucible for an MBE effusion source. The crucible maximizes capacity, uniformity and long term flux stability, and minimizes oval defects, depletion effects, and short term shutter-related flux transients. The invention also includes an effusion source employing such a crucible, as well as a method and mandrel apparatus for making a unibody containment structure, such as a crucible formed of PBN, having a negative draft, via chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus comprising:a) a article having a composition selected from the group consisting of graphite, carbon/carbon, carbon/graphite, and mixtures thereof, andb) a ceramic coating thereon, wherein the ceramic coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of:i) a ceramic having an average thermal expansion coefficient of between 2 and 8.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. between 22.degree. C. and 1200.degree. C. which is also phase stable in the temperature range of 22.degree. C. and 1450.degree. C., andii) alumina having at least 99% purity.

Abstract: A resistant heated flash evaporator including a body of any desired geometry having two opposite open sides, a cavity which forms a continuous open area extending from each of the two opposite sides and at least one metal evaporating surface facing the open area for evaporating metal laterally through the opposite sides of the cavity. The body is preferably composed of graphite and has a coating of pyrolyric boron nitride extending over a substantial portion of the body and over the metal evaporating surface formed by the cavity.

Abstract: A method and system for producing polarized .sup.129 Xe gas in an economical manner, allowing the polarized .sup.129 Xe gas to be used commercially in research and clinical applications. The production system of the present invention includes a holding tank for holding an unpolarized xenon gas/nitrogen gas mixture. The holding tank is in communication with a temperature controlled polarization chamber. A wide spectrum high power light source such as a diode laser array is in communication with the polarization chamber. The alkali metal vapor is optically pumped by the light source. The polarization chamber, which contains a given quantity of an alkali metal and its associated vapor, receives the gaseous mixture from the holding tank. The optically pumped alkali metal vapor atoms then collide with the xenon gas atoms, thus polarizing the xenon atoms. The entire gaseous mixture expands out of the polarization chamber into a device that separates the alkali metal vapor atoms from the polarized .sup.129 Xe atoms.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a phosphor for use in an electroluminescent panel includes a storage body that is permeable to a fluid, and an open boat for containing a phosphor material. The open boat is stored in, and has a shape corresponding to, the storage body. The open boat and the storage body are housed in a reactor. A gas supply section introduces a nitrogen gas and a halogen gas into the reactor, and a heating device heats the reactor. A pressure control device selectively evacuates the reactor and introduces a gas pressure into the reactor to control the pressure in the reactor to be in a range from 10.sup.-3 to 1140 Torr.

Abstract: A multi-piece crucible for high temperature applications comprises a tubular side wall member having a lip on the inside surface and a bottom member or members forming a container for containing a melt of a material during a high temperature melt-casting operations. The multi-piece design prevents cracking of the crucible or leakage of the melt from the crucible during the melt-casting operation. The lip of the tubular member supports the bottom member. The contacting surfaces where the lip of the tubular side wall member contacts the bottom member of the multi-piece crucible contains a ceramic sealing material. The ceramic sealing material forms a seal sufficient to prevent the melt of the material from leaking out of the multi-piece crucible during the melt-casting process. The multi-piece crucible is made of a material which is chemically inert to the melt and has structural integrity at the melting point temperature of the melt, or of a material coated with such a material.

Abstract: An inexpensive crucible capable of obtaining a high analytical accuracy is provided. A circular projection is formed in a portion above a portion having an intermediate height on an inner circumferential surface of the graphite crucible to prevent contamination of the sample gases.

Abstract: Unique cristobalite-seeded quartz glass crucibles and cores admirably suited for Cz crystal growing and D.S. metal casting are formed by slip casting using a slurry containing a quartz refractory composition comprising silica particles with an average particle size of from 1 to 10 microns and a minute but effective amount of micronized dispersible particles of a unique crystallization aid, such as basic aluminum acetate, which provides the glass with at least 0.005 percent by weight of evenly dispersed metallic ions. The metallic ions provide the quartz glass with nucleation sites so that heating of the glass to a temperature of from 1200.degree. C. to 1250.degree. C. permits formation of a high concentration of evenly dispersed cristobalite nuclei in the glass without causing excessive devitrification prior to cooling of the seeded glass. The desired nucleation sites can also be provided by using micronized particles of alpha quartz or alpha cristobalite.

Abstract: A multi-piece crucible for high temperature applications comprises a tubular side wall member having a lip on the inside surface and a bottom member or members forming a container for containing a melt of a material during a high temperature melt-casting operations. The multi-piece design prevents cracking of the crucible or leakage of the melt from the crucible during the melt-casting operation. The lip of the tubular member supports the bottom member. The contacting surfaces where the lip of the tubular side wall member contacts the bottom member of the multi-piece crucible contains a ceramic sealing material. The ceramic sealing material forms a seal sufficient to prevent the melt of the material from leaking out of the multi-piece crucible during the melt-casting process. The multi-piece crucible is made of a material which is chemically inert to the melt and has structural integrity at the melting point temperature of the melt, or of a material coated with such a material.

Abstract: An interchangeable module for supporting a receptacle into which a molten sample, prepared by a fluxer, can be poured for analysis. One module can support a resistively heated casting dish into which a molten sample can be poured and cooled to form a solid sample for instrumental analysis. This module includes an insulator having a depression for receipt of a casting dish. A heating coil is positioned below the recession. A cooling gas conduit extends through the insulator support. The insulator is supported on a frame. The frame is supported on a back plate.