Support Holder For Quartz Dip Stick In Directional Solidification System Furnaces
AssigneeMemc Singapore, Pte. Ltd (Uen200614797D)
InventorsJohn David Hilker, John Gibbons
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A support fixture for use in a directional solidification system for the production of multi-crystalline ingots having a housing with a passage that extends into an inner assembly having a crucible includes a collar, an alignment bracket, and an arm. The collar has a mounting structure for attaching the collar to the housing. A passage extends through the collar and defines a longitudinal axis. The alignment bracket is in spaced relation to the collar. The arm extends from the collar to the alignment bracket to support the alignment bracket and prevent movement of the alignment bracket with respect to the collar. The arm is shaped to allow an operator access to an area adjacent to the longitudinal axis.
Claims14
A support fixture for use in a directional solidification system for the production of multi-crystalline ingots having a housing with a passage that extends into an inner assembly having a crucible, the support fixture comprising:
- a collar having a mounting structure for attaching the collar to the housing, the collar having a passage extending therethrough, the passage defining a longitudinal axis;
- an alignment bracket spaced from the collar;
- and
- an arm extending from the collar to the alignment bracket to support the alignment bracket and prevent movement of the alignment bracket with respect to the collar;
- the arm shaped to allow an operator access to an area adjacent to the longitudinal axis.
A system for the production of multi-crystalline ingots, the system comprising:
- a base;
- a lid being in spaced relation to the base;
- a wall extending between the base and the lid to define an inner assembly;
- a housing with a passage extending through an opening in the lid;
- and
- a support fixture having:
- a collar attached to and extending from the housing;
- the collar having an upper passage extending therethrough in coaxial alignment with the passage in the housing, the upper passage defining a longitudinal axis;
- an alignment bracket in spaced relation to the collar;
- and
- an arm connecting the collar with the alignment bracket to support the alignment bracket and prevent movement of the alignment bracket with respect to the collar;
- the arm being shaped to allow an operator access to an area adjacent to the longitudinal axis.
A method for the production of a multi-crystalline ingot, the method comprising:
- providing a system having an inner assembly and a containment vessel with a housing defining a passage therethrough to a crucible located within the inner assembly, and a support fixture located about and extending from the housing;
- the support fixture including:
- a collar attached to and extending from the housing;
- the collar having an upper passage extending therethrough in coaxial alignment with the passage, the upper passage defining a longitudinal axis;
- an alignment bracket in spaced relation to the collar;
- and
- an arm connecting the collar with the alignment bracket to support the alignment bracket and prevent movement of the alignment bracket with respect to the collar;
- the arm being shaped to allow an operator access to an area adjacent to the longitudinal axis;
- placing solid feedstock material in the crucible;
- melting the solid feedstock material to form a melt;
- and
- determining a depth of the melt within the crucible using a rod extending through the support fixture and the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.