Computerized multi-zone crystal growth furnace precise temperature and heating control method
AssigneeGrumman Aerospace Corporation
InventorsVictor Curreri, John F. Klein, Janine E. Dubois
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computerized method of digitally controlling the temperature profile of a heated article in which the temperature profile is defined by a plurality of temperature zones spaced about the article. The temperature profile of the article is monitored and a heating cycle requirement of the temperature zones of the profile is computed. A train of minute increments of power is supplied to heat each respective zone in accordance with the computed heating cycle requirements to achieve a precision approximately between .+-.0.1.degree. and .+-.0.5.degree. C. in a temperature range of approximately 400.degree. C. to 1,350.degree. C.
Claims10
A computerized method of digitally controlling a temperature profile of a heated article to within precise given limits, said method comprising the steps of
- (a) monitoring the temperature profile of a heated article, said temperature profile being definable by a plurality of temperature zones spaced about said article;
- (b) computing a respective heating cycle requirement for each of said temperature zones of said profile necessary to control a given temperature to an approximate precision of between .+-.0.1.degree. and .+-.0.5.degree. C. in a temperature range of approximately 400.degree. C. to 1,350.degree. C.;
- and
- (c) initiating by computer command and supplying a train of minute increments of power to heat each respective zone in accordance with the requirements of the computed heating cycle, said increments of power comprising a train of electrical pulses substantially equidistantly spaced in time and ranging from zero to 100 pulses per 100 milliseconds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.